Genetic and Nutritional Secrets of Groundnut Varieties Unveiled for Enhancing Farmers Income by Groundnut Value Chain Process

Abstract

Background: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important oil seed crops. It is nutritionally and economically a high value oil seed crop and is in the sixth most important in the world. It is also known as a “Wonder legume”. Methods: Based on the physical parameters the peanut varieties were classified as high oil content (50-53%) varieties viz.,VRI (Gn) 5, Co(Gn)4, Co7 and low oil content (44-49%). varieties viz., VRI 9, VRI10, BSR 2. Among the varieties, the best suited variety for secondary processed products namely, salted peanuts, peanut chikki, peanut butter, peanut chutney powder, masala peanut were assessed and evaluated for the nutrient composition and sensory evaluation. Result: All the varieties exhibited good source of protein, fat, crude fiber. free fatty acid and peroxide value and confirmed to the FSSAI standards. Developed secondary processed product has excellent keeping quality. scored maximum sensory score in terms of organoleptic attributes. The higher oil content peanut varieties are recommended for oil extractionand the varieties with oil content below 50% are well suited for secondary processed products. This paper gives the detailed report of choosing the suitable groundnut variety for different secondary processing. Training cum demonstration on selecting suitable variety for different processing was imparted to the farmers in improving the value chain and to get good returns. However, a diversity of value adding options are being promoted for adoption by farmers to sustainably improve and raise farmers’ household incomes livelihoods.