Is Gujarat Leading India in Peanut Production with Over 22 Lakh Hectares Under Cultivation?

Ahmedabad, Sep 12 (NationPress) Gujarat remains the frontrunner in peanut cultivation across India, with the crop planted on over 22 lakh hectares and accounting for more than 50 percent of the nation's output, as stated by Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel.

"This year, Gujarat is on track to achieve a historic milestone in peanut production, with an anticipated yield of 66 lakh metric tonnes—the highest ever for the state," Patel added.

In the previous year, the state bought 12.22 lakh metric tonnes of peanuts from more than 3.67 lakh farmers at minimum support prices (MSP), totaling Rs 8,295 crore, which has provided significant economic stability for growers. Peanuts have consistently been a crucial aspect of both India's and Gujarat's economies.

Among leading peanut-producing nations, India has secured a significant position, with Gujarat contributing over half of the national output.

This year, the state's supremacy in peanut cultivation and production remains unchanged. The area designated for peanut cultivation has progressively expanded over the years. In the year 2018–19, peanuts were cultivated over 15.94 lakh hectares; this year, the area has increased by 25 percent to 22 lakh hectares.

Production has also risen from 22 lakh metric tonnes in 2018–19 to 52.20 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25, with this year set to reach 66 lakh metric tonnes—a threefold increase compared to 2018–19.

To secure the economic well-being of farmers, the government announces MSPs before sowing and procures peanuts directly at these prices. In 2020–21, over 1 lakh farmers sold more than 2 lakh metric tonnes of peanuts to the government at MSP, valued at Rs 1,068 crore.

The bumper harvest last year led to record procurement, with 3.67 lakh farmers selling 12.22 lakh metric tonnes worth ₹8,295 crore. Procurement at MSP will be continued this year. Patel noted that various factors such as higher market prices, increased MSPs, direct government procurement, and research-based high-yield varieties have contributed to the rise in cultivation.

Farmers now predominantly plant varieties developed by state agricultural universities and the Indian Peanut Research Institute, including Gujarat Groundnut-20, 32, 39, 23, and Girnar-4.

Peanuts are an essential element of the Gujarati diet, used for both consumption and oil, while the shells are utilized as livestock feed.

The soil and climate of Gujarat are exceptionally conducive for peanut cultivation, particularly in Saurashtra, often referred to as the "peanut hub," where this crop has been grown extensively for over 150 years.