Groundnut output likely to be 40% more than last year

NEW DELHI: Due to bumper production in Gujarat in this Kharif season, the groundnut output in the country is expected to be around 40% more than last year. According industry body Solvent Extractors Association (SEA), which keeps track on oilseeds production in the country, the groundnut production is likely to be around 5.1 million tonnes as against 3.73 million tonnes last year. Out of this, Gujarat contribution is likely to be 3.21 million tonnes - more than double by last year’s output of 1.59 million tonnes.

“This year due to timely and sufficient rainfall in major groundnut growing areas of Gujarat, the production has doubled. The yield has improved from 1095 kg per ha to 2071 kg per ha. The area under cultivation has increased from 1.46 million ha to 1.55 million ha,” said B V Mehta, executive director, SEA.

The government has estimated even more output at 6.1 million tonnes. According to the first advance estimate released last month, the agriculture ministry is estimating an output of 6.1 million tonnes.


“The price of groundnut is likely to remain range bound due to bumper production this year. The export of groundnut oil is likely to be more due to better availability,” said a senior agriculture department official.