It is the most important oilseed of our country. It accounts for about half of the major oilseeds produced in India. The groundnut oil is used as edible oil. It is also used for the manufacturing of margarine, medical emulsions, and soap and toilet requisites. Groundnut is eaten raw, roasted, salted or sweetened. Oil-cake is a rich cattle feed.
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Conditions for growth of Groundnuts:
i. Groundnuts grow best in the tropical climate with the temperature ranging between 20 °C and 30 °C and annual rainfall between 50 cm and 80 cm.
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ii. Groundnuts can be grown both as a kharif and as a rabi crop. But about 90 per cent of the total area is under the kharif crop.
iii. The conditions of frost, prolonged drought, continuous rain and stagnant water are very harmful for its cultivation.
iv. It grows well in sandy loams and black soil.
v. Groundnut is sown mostly between June and July, depending on the monsoon.
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vi. It is also grown as a rotation crop as it can add nitrogen to the soil.
vii. The crop grows fully in about four months. A warm dry season is good for ripening.
viii. The crop is harvested in the months of October and November. The groundnut kernels can give about 45 per cent oil.
Areas of Groundnut Production:
India is the largest producer of groundnut in the world and accounts for about 30 per cent of the world’s total production. The production largely depends upon the amount and distribution of rainfall. The total annual production is about one crore tons.
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The main producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra. These states account for about 85 per cent of the total production of groundnuts in India. Other important producing states are Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.