A Review of the Status of the Groundnut Production and Export of India

Abstract

Groundnut as “King of Oilseeds” is one of the third largest oilseed produced in the world and second largest in India. India is the largest cultivator of groundnut crop in world in terms of acreage, low yields kept her in the second place in terms of output. China is the single largest producer as well as consumer of groundnut in the world. Area under groundnut crop declined in recent 6 years with 3.37 per cent growth rate due to increase in area under its main kharif competitor crop cotton. Production and yield increased with 4.68 and 6.51 per cent growth rate annually. Gujarat is the leading producer (50 per cent of total production) of best quality groundnut followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Major exporters are India, which accounts for 36 per cent of world exports followed by USA, Argentina and China. During last decade groundnut export quantity and value was increased with 14.26 and 24.87 per cent growth rate annually. India's major export destinations are Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, UAE, Philippines and Thailand. In the year 2011–12, the export quantity and value was highest after that due to poor quality issues (presence of aflatoxin content) the export was declined in next subsequent 3 years. So, there is a need to focus on quality of Groundnut as many importing countries are applying stringent norms regarding quality standards.