Groundnut

Groundnut is an important cash crop of barani areas of Punjab. Groundnuts are the 13th most important food crop of the world. They are the world’s 4th important source of edible oil and 3rd most important source of vegetable protein. Groundnut seeds are a rich source of high quality edible oil (43-55%), easily digestible protein (25-32%) and carbohydrates (20%). Worldwide, 50 percent of peanut production is used for oil extraction, 37 percent for direct food uses, and 12 percent for seed purpose (ICRISAT 2008). Pakistan accounts for only 0.4% of the global groundnut area and 0.2% of its production.In Pakistan, it was grown on area of about 86974 ha with a total production of 100790 tons during 2018-19. About 89.8%, 8.0% and 2.2% area lies in the Punjab, NWFP and Sindh province, respectively (CAP-2013). Groundnut contributes 70% to the total edible oil production in India, whereas in Pakistan contribution as edible oil is negligible because it is mostly consumed as roasted nuts and in confectionery. The national average yield ranges from 800 to 1100 kg/ha which is less than one fourth of the potential yield of the existing varieties. Low yield is mainly due to non-availability of high yielding adopted varieties, good quality seed and non-adaptation of crop production technology.

Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal