Transforming India Through Agriculture

About Groundnut Cultivation

Groundnut, a member of the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family and the Papilionoideae sub-family, is predominantly cultivated in five Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. These states account for around 80% of the country’s total groundnut area and production, with Gujarat alone contributing approximately 35%. Groundnut thrives in a long, warm growing season, while conditions such as waterlogging, drought, and cold weather are highly detrimental to its growth. Ideal soils for groundnut cultivation are well-drained, light-colored, loose, and fertile sandy loams, rich in calcium and moderate organic matter, with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 8.5.

Problems Faced by Farmers

A major concern for groundnut farmers is the occurrence of leaf spots, known as “Tikka” disease, which includes both early and late leaf spot varieties. This disease can cause severe defoliation and lead to yield losses of up to 50% or more, depending on the severity of the outbreak.