Complete Guide to Groundnut Cultivation: From Sowing to Harvest

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is also referred to as peanut, is among the most significant legume and oilseed crops that are grown in subtropical and tropical regions all over the world. In addition to being a great source of protein and edible oil, groundnut plays an important part in the rotation of crops and enhances soil fertility via the fixation of nitrogen by biological processes.

This blog is an extensive guide on the cultivation of groundnuts that covers the entire process from the preparation of the soil, the harvesting and storage.

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🌿 Botanical Profile of Groundnut

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🌍 Agro-Climatic Requirements

Groundnut thrives in warmer, subtropical, and tropical climates. Knowing the climate’s needs can help farmers to plan their sowing as well as harvest schedules with efficiency to ensure maximum yield.

Parameter	Ideal Requirement
Climate	The climate is humid and warm, ideal for tropical and subtropical areas
Temperature Range	Ideal: 25degC-30degC, and growth slows when below 20degC and stops at 10degC or less.
Rainfall Requirement	500-1000mm annually. A uniformly distributed rainfall during the crop season is the ideal
Sunlight	It requires six to eight hours of light every day, a photosensitive crop
Humidity	High humidity and moderate temperatures could encourage the development of disease
Altitude	The plant can grow up to 1000m above sea level
Frost Sensitivity	Very sensitive. Even slight frosts can cause damage to young plants and decrease yield.
Drought Tolerance	Moderate drought in the pegging stage or during the pod’s development phases severely impacts yield
Sowing Season	– Kharif (Rainy Season): June-July – Rabi (Post-Monsoon): Oct-Nov – Summer: Jan-Feb (with irrigation)

Notice: Groundnut is especially sensitive during the stages of flowering and pegging. So, ensure sufficient humidity and warm temperatures during this time.

🧪 Soil Requirements

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🔁 Crop Rotation and Land Preparation

Crop Rotation

The rotation of crops is vital to maintaining soil fertility and decreasing the chance of disease and pests affecting groundnuts.

Recommended Rotations	Benefits
Groundnut – Wheat	Improves soil fertility and ends the cycle of disease and pests.
Groundnut – Maize	Reduces the risk of nematodes as well as root illnesses. Reduces the risk of nematodes and root
Groundnut – Chickpea	Enhances nitrogen economy via legume-legume rotation
Groundnut – Vegetables	Improves income and land effectiveness
Groundnut – Cotton	Great for nutrient management and long-term productivity

Do not: Continuous groundnut cultivation on the same farm (monocropping) because it depletes nutrients and raises the risk of disease.

Land Preparation

Properly prepared land is crucial to enhance aeration, infiltration of water, and pod growth.

Operation	Details
Ploughing	Ploughing deep (15-20 cm) with a mouldboard or disc plough to make the soil looser
Harrowing	3 to 4 harrowings per day to break up the clods, and to make the soil easy to work with
Leveling	Final leveling of the field using a planker to ensure a uniform field and prevent stagnation of water.
Bed Preparation	Broad beds or raised beds and furrows (BBF) are recommended to ensure better drainage
Weed Removal	Get rid of perennial weeds such as Cynodon (doob grass) before sowing
FYM/Compost Application	5-10 tons/ha of compost/FYM that has been well-rotted, used for 2-3 weeks before sowing
Soil Testing	Conduct soil testing to determine pH, nutrient levels, and micronutrient deficiency

Tips: Proper tilth ensures adequate pegging, aeration, as well as root development, eventually increasing the pod yield.

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🌱 Varieties of Groundnut

Groundnut varieties are generally divided into two types of botanicals -spread (Runner type) spread (Runner kind) and bunch (Spanish or Virginia type) — based on their growth habits and maturity time. Selecting the best type is crucial to achieve high yields, pest resistance, and a good fit for the environment and the soil.

In India, several high-yielding and better varieties have been created by research institutes like the ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research (DGR), Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), as well as others. The varieties vary in the sense of duration (short, medium, and long) as well as oil content, disease resistance, and the ability to withstand rain or irrigation conditions.

Popular bunch-type cultivars like TMV 2 JL 24, GG 20, as well as ICGV 91114, are young-maturing (90-110 days) and compact in their growth pattern, and suitable for areas that receive rain and short-season cultivation. They are popular due to their speedy maturity, making them suitable for areas that experience erratic rain.

Spreading varieties or semi-spreading ones like TAG 24 Kadiri 6. Kadiri 9, Girnar 2, and TGLPS 3 usually have a longer period (110-130 days) and are preferred for areas that are irrigated or have guaranteed areas of rainfall. These varieties typically produce more pods per plant and can be used to achieve more productive goals.

Certain varieties, such as the ICGV 91114 and Kadiri 6, are also known for their resistance to diseases such as the leaf spot or rust, which makes them ideal for cultivation in areas susceptible to fungal outbreaks.

Farmers must select their preferred crop based on their agroclimatic zone, the time of sowing (Kharif, Rabi, or summer), and the availability of irrigation and market demand for oil extraction or consumption of table food.

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📦 Seed Rate and Sowing in Groundnut Cultivation

The timing and correct sowing play an essential role in achieving an optimal plant population, a uniform crop stand, and greater yields from cultivating groundnuts. Many factors like variety of (bunch or spread) as well as seed size, spacing, and soil moisture must be taken into consideration for a successful sowing.

Seed Rate

The amount of seeds in groundnut is dependent on the kind of variety being grown. Bunch-type varieties have more seeds than spreading varieties because of their small size.

• For varieties with a bunch A seeding frequency between 100-125kg/ha is suggested.
• Spreading or semi-spreading types that spread, a seeding frequency in the range of 80 and 100 kg/ha is typically sufficient.

The seed should be firm and well-filled. It should also be disease-free. It is recommended to use kernels that have been freshly shelled and are not more than 15 to 20 days prior to sowing, since they are more able to germinate.

Seed Treatment

To safeguard against seed-borne as well as pathogens that affect soil, seed treatment is strongly advised. Seeds must be treated using a fungicide like Thiram, or Captan @ 3 g/kg seeds and Carbendazim 2 g/kg seeds. In cases of insect infestation, it is also possible to treat seeds using Imidacloprid 1 ml per kg of seeds.

In the meantime, biological treatment of seeds using Rhizobium cultivation increases nitrogen fixation; in addition, the Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) can improve the availability of phosphorus.

Sowing Time

The best time to plant groundnuts depends on the time of year and the climate in the region:

• Kharif (Rainy season): Sowing should start at the beginning of the monsoon. Ideally, this is the months of June and July..
• “Rabi” (Post-monsoon): In areas with irrigation, sowing takes place between October through November.
• The summer season: Sowing is done from January through February with guaranteed irrigation.

Spacing

The proper spacing will ensure adequate aeration and light penetration, which reduces the risk of diseases and encourages the development of healthy plants.

• Sorts that resemble a Bunch Space of 30 centimeters between rows and 10 centimeters between plants are suggested.
• Varieties that are spread: Wider spacing of 45 centimeters between rows and 10 to 15 centimeters between the plants is sufficient.

Depth of Sowing

Groundnut seeds should be planted at a depth that is about 4-6 cm. Insufficient sowing could lead to inadequate germination. Deep sowing can hinder the emergence.

Sowing Method

Sowing can be performed by hand using an apex seeder or in the plough behind. In more extensive areas, mechanical planters and seed drills are utilized to ensure the uniform placement of seeds and depth. Based on the soil type and availability of irrigation techniques, like furrow and ridge methods, or flatbeds may be used.

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💧 Irrigation Management in Groundnut Cultivation

Irrigation plays an essential role in the development and growth of groundnuts, particularly during summer and in the months of Rabi, in which rainfall is nonexistent or is minimal. Although groundnut is thought to be relatively drought-tolerant, prompt and proper irrigation is vital to attain optimal yield, particularly during the crucial growth stages.

The rainfed and the. Irrigated Conditions

• In Kharif (rainy time), if rainfall is evenly distributed, additional irrigation might not be needed.
• In the Rabi as well as the summer season, Irrigation is essential because of dry conditions. Groundnut needs about 5 to 7 irrigations according to the type of soil and the climatic conditions.

Critical Stages for Irrigation

Groundnut is prone to stress from water in specific development stages. The use of irrigation at these times significantly enhances the growth of the pod and increases yield

1. Emergence and Germination (0-10 days): Ensures uniform crop stand.
2. Flowers Stage (25-35 days): Promotes flower production and peg-making.
3. Phase of Pegging (40-50 Days): Crucial for pegs to get into the soil.
4. The Pod The Development Phase (60-90 Days): Water stress at this point can dramatically lower yield.

Do not over-irrigate during the last 10 to 15 days prior to harvest in order to avoid fungal outbreaks and facilitate harvesting.

Irrigation Methods

• Furrow Irrigation. The most common method is efficient in sandy and light soils.
• Drip Irrigation: Highly efficient in areas with limited water supply; maintains that the soil is moist and decreases pressure on weeds.
• Sprinkler Irrigation: It is suitable for fields with uneven slopes or sandy soils. suitable for pre-sowing as well as initial irrigations.

Frequency of Irrigation

The frequency is dependent on the soil type, the weather conditions, and the stage of the crop:

• Sand soils need more often, but also less because of the low capacity for water.
• Soils that are loamy hold moisture more effectively. It is also less likely to require irrigation.

Typically, groundnut requires 50-70mm of water for irrigation for a period between seven to ten days in summer, and 10 to 15 weeks during Rabi.

Tips for Efficient Irrigation

• Avoid stagnation in water. Groundnut is very susceptible to root rot.
• Make sure you have a good drainage system to avoid fungal illnesses.
• Utilize mulch or intercrops to help conserve soil moisture and decrease the amount of water evaporating.
• Be sure to check soil moisture regularly, particularly when the flowers are blooming and pods are forming.

A proper irrigation plan will not only increase yield but also improve the quality of seeds and the amount of oil in them.

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🌿 Nutrient Management in Groundnut Cultivation

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Weed, Pest, and Disease Management

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🧺 Harvesting and Yield

A proper harvesting method is essential to maximize the quantity and the quality of groundnuts. Harvesting too early or too late could result in a decrease in pod growth or even more losses due to diseases and pests. The right timing for harvesting, as well as the post-harvest care, play an important role in getting the most marketable product.

When to Harvest Groundnut?

Groundnut pods mature between 120 to 160 weeks from sowing, contingent on the variety of plants and climatic conditions. The most important indicators to determine the ideal date to harvest include:

1. leaf yellowing: The leaves begin to turn yellow, and the plant starts to dry naturally. However, certain varieties could remain green until the pods are complete, therefore, other indicators should be monitored.
2. Mature Pods: Examine the maturation of the pods by gently digging a few plants. The pods should be turning brown and golden, and the seeds within should be solid and fully developed.
3. The sound of Pods: Rattle the pods. If they sound hollow and dry, is a sign they’re in the process of being harvested.
4. Soil Moisture: Avoid harvesting in very humid conditions. Soil must be moderately dry in order to prevent pod rot.

In the early maturing varieties, harvesting may begin at the earliest 120 days, as opposed to those that are maturing late can require up to 160 days. Harvesting should be done in dry weather so that the pods are prevented from absorbing moisture, which could lead to the growth of fungal organisms or pod rot.

Harvesting Methods

Groundnuts are harvested either by hand or mechanically, based on the size of the farm and the available resources.

1. Manual Harvesting

• Methods: Use a spade or hoe to carefully dig up the plant’s root. They are then gently removed and carefully inspected to ensure that they don’t cause damage to the pods.
• Timing Harvesting by hand is most effective when the plant is dry to moderate, since it protects the plant from getting damaged or pods getting disappearing in the soil.

2. Mechanical Harvesting

• Method Harvesters that are mechanically powered are becoming more common for larger-scale farms. The machines rip the plants up and then shake the soil from the pods. This is quicker and more efficient, however, it requires the right equipment and skilled operators.
• Post-Harvest Handling Mechanical harvesters can also cause damage to pods, so care must be taken in the post-harvest process to avoid the loss.

Post-Harvest Handling and Drying

Once they have been harvested, groundnuts need proper drying and handling in order to preserve their quality and prevent spoilage.

Drying Following harvesting, pods and plants must be kept in the field or put in a well-ventilated and dry space to decrease the moisture content. Drying in the sun is the most frequently used method for groundnuts, and they should be dried to 8-10%.

• If the weather isn’t favorable, mechanical drying may be used, however, it is important to prevent overheating the seeds, which could degrade the quality.

1. Pod removal: After drying, the pods are removed from plants using either hand or mechanically. The process is usually accomplished by cutting the roots of the plant and then separating the pods.
2. Cleansing: After harvest, the pods get cleaned in order to eliminate dust, debris, and soil. If required, they are evaluated to assess their size and quality.
3. Storage Groundnuts must be stored in dry, cool conditions to stop the growth of fungi and insects. Utilizing sealable containers or Jute bags will stop moisture absorption. Proper storage is crucial in ensuring the quality of seeds for future planting or marketing.

Groundnut Yield Expectations

Groundnut yields vary based on the nature of the tree of the fertility of the soil, temperature, and the practices of culture. In the ideal conditions, the yield of groundnuts could be according to the following:

Conditions of Rain (Kharif season):

• Average yield: 600-1,000 kg/ha
• A high-potential yield of 1500-2,200 kg/ha (under good management conditions)

Condition of Irrigation (Rabi season):

• Average yield: 1,000-1,500 kg/ha
• Potentially high yield 2500-2,500 kg/ha (with the right fertilization and irrigation)

Yields can be much greater under conditions that are irrigated when proper moisture levels and nutrient management are in place through the season of growth. However, yields can be decreased in the Kharif season because of unpredictable rainfall or the logging of water in certain regions.

🏆 Maximizing Yield

To increase yield and improve quality, make sure to do the following:

1. Best Sowing Time: Plant groundnut at the correct time, taking into consideration the local weather patterns as well as soil moisture.
2. Balanced Fertilization: Apply the recommended dosages of nutrients that are based on soil testing and ensure that proper management of nutrients is maintained throughout the cycle of growth.
3. Effective Pest, Weed, as well as Disease Management: Early control of pests and weeds will allow the crop to expand without damage or competition.
4. Timed harvesting. Picking the right time at the appropriate time can prevent pod loss and increase the quality of the seeds.

Proper harvesting and post-harvest handling are critical to preserving the quality and increasing the yield of groundnuts. With the right practices, groundnut farmers can achieve a high-quality product that is market-ready and offers excellent profitability.

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🏚️ Post-Harvest Handling

Handling after harvest is an essential element of growing groundnuts that directly impacts the shelf-life, quality, and profit of the plant. After harvest, groundnuts become vulnerable to damage by insects, moisture, and Microbial activity, which makes proper storage and handling essential. Let’s take a look at the essential steps in handling after harvest to ensure the highest quality of groundnuts.

Field Drying

After harvest, the groundnut plant needs to be dried in order to lower the amount of moisture and to prevent the growth of fungal organisms or spoilage. Drying is among the most crucial aspects of handling post-harvest.

1. Sun Drying

• Methods: Spread the harvested groundnut pods or plants in thin layers on clean nets, tarps, or on the concrete surface. The pods must get exposed to the sun for 3 to 5 days.
• The goal is to get a humidity level of between 8 and 10 percent for secure storage. This stops the development of moulds, such as Aspergillus flavus, which creates aflatoxins that are harmful to animals and humans.
• Monitor: During the drying process, make sure that the groundnuts are turned often to ensure even drying. Cover the pods in the evening or in the event of rain to prevent reabsorption of water.

2. Mechanical Drying

• Method: In regions where the weather isn’t ideal, mechanical dryers are utilized. They can regulate the temperature and airflow to evenly dry the groundnuts.
• Beware: Avoid overheating the groundnuts when drying them mechanically, since this could harm the seeds and decrease the quality of their products.

Pod Removal

After the pods are properly dried then it is time to take the pods from the plants. This is essential to ensure that the pods have been properly cleaned and are ready to be stored.

1. Manual Removal

• Method: Hand-picking is a popular method in which pods can be removed from plants by breaking off the roots, then breaking the pods. While the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, it’s a good option for smaller farms.

2. Mechanical Removal

• Methodology: In larger farms, mechanical harvesters or pod-pickers are used to efficiently take pods from plants. This process is quicker and also reduces the costs of labor.

Cleaning and Sorting

Cleaning and sorting are essential to get rid of dirt, dust, and damaged pods, making sure only top-quality pods are saved for use in the future.

1. Cleaning

• Methods: After pod removal, the pods must be cleaned in order to get rid of any dirt, sticks, and leaves. This can be done by hand or by using a machine such as the seed cleaner.
• Important: Clean pods are less likely to be a host for fungal spores or insect spores, which reduces the chance of spoilage in storage.

2. Sorting

• Methods: The pods should be separated according to their size and shape as well and appearance. Damaged, immature, or discolored pods need to be separated from healthy ones.
• Objective: Sorting ensures uniformity and improves the high-quality of final products. It also increases the marketability of groundnuts.

Storage

A proper storage environment is essential for preserving the quality of groundnuts as well as prolonging their shelf lives. Groundnuts are prone to infestations by insects as well as moisture absorption. They can also cause the growth of mold if they aren’t properly stored.

1. Storage Conditions

• Moisture Content Check that the moisture content in groundnuts is reduced to 8-10 percent prior to storage. The higher moisture content could cause mold development and contamination with aflatoxin.
• Groundnuts need to be kept in a cool, dry area. Ideally, the area of storage must be well-ventilated and temperatures ranging from 10-20 °C.
• Humidity relative within the storage area must be kept to a minimum in order to prevent the accumulation of moisture. The excess humidity can trigger fungal growth and reduce the shelf life of groundnuts.

2. Storage Containers

• Bags. The majority of groundnuts can be stored inside Jute bags or polypropylene bags that are woven. They are breathable and assist in maintaining air circulation.
• Hermetic Storage Storage for long periods, hermetically sealed containers (e.g. silos or drums that are airtight) are a good option to stop the absorption of moisture and insect infestation. They also decrease the chance of oxidation and loss of food.

3. Pest Control in Storage

• In the course of storage, groundnuts may be infested with insects such as weevils, moths, and other insects. The application in the use of certified insecticides (e.g., Malathion or Phosphine tablets) is vital for the control of pests. It is important to adhere to safety guidelines to prevent contamination.
• Physical Barriers Make use of the mesh bag and plastic liner which block the entry of bugs while permitting air circulation.

4. Monitoring

• Regular inspection: Periodically check stored groundnuts for indications that indicate damage or pest activity or growth of fungal. Regular inspections aid in identifying and fixing any issues in the early stages.

Grading and Packaging

After the groundnuts have been dried cleaned, sorted, and dried after which they are prepared for grading and packing. Grading is a way to ensure uniformity in shape, size as well and quality. This is essential to marketability.

1. Grading

• Size Grading The groundnuts are typically classified into various sizes by weight or diameter. The larger pods are usually more useful due to their greater oil content.
• Qualitative Grading The grading process also takes into consideration the quality of groundnuts, i.e., if they’re damaged or discolored, or are contaminated by insects.

2. Packaging

• Packaging Materials: Groundnuts are packaged in Jute bags, plastic sacks as well as cardboard containers. For export purposes, bags made of plastic, as well as plastic bags that have nitrogen flushing, can be used to maintain freshness.
• Labeling: The packaging should be clear and identify the source of the crop, its varieties, and any pertinent certifications (e.g., organic, non-GMO). This increases the value and appeal to both international and domestic markets.

🏠 Storage for Seed Production

Groundnuts used to produce seeds should be kept separate from the ones intended to be eaten. Seed groundnuts must be stored in dry, cool conditions with adequate ventilation in order to preserve the potential for germination.

• Seed Storage Seed groundnuts can be stored inside refrigerator-cooled containers and climate-controlled warehouses to preserve the viability of seeds to plant in the future.

🌍 Exporting Groundnuts

For those who want to export their product, further steps are:

• Conformity by export Standards: Ensure that groundnuts meet the standards for quality of the country that is importing them (e.g., limits on aflatoxin or packaging).
• Certificate: Obtain necessary certifications like Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or Fair Trade Certification to increase the value and credibility of your groundnuts in international markets.

Post-harvest handling is an essential stage in the production of groundnuts that assures that the finished product is of top quality and without spoilage. If you follow the correct drying and cleaning procedures, as well as sorting, storage, and packing techniques, farmers can maintain the nutritional value of groundnuts, increase their shelf-life, and make them suitable for domestic consumption and exports to the international market.

💡 Tips for Higher Profitability

1. Choose high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties.
2. Timely sowing and management of irrigation.
3. Ensure gypsum application at pegging.
4. Intercrop with pulses or cereals to boost returns.
5. Implement crop rotation to minimize the spread of soil-borne diseases.

📌 Conclusion

The cultivation of groundnuts, starting with sowing until post-harvest management, is a set of meticulously controlled techniques that determine the quality and quantity that the end product will yield. Ensuring proper preparation of the soil and selecting the best varieties, controlling the amount of nutrition and irrigation, as well as managing pests and diseases, is crucial to having the best results and a profitable crop. Also important is the post-harvest stage, in which care must be taken to ensure that drying, sorting, and storage can greatly impact the shelf life, quality, and market value of groundnuts.

Farmers who use efficient methods from planting to harvest can increase their yields and decrease losses after harvest. Focusing on sustainable practices and sustainability, the cultivation of groundnuts can greatly contribute to the security of food, stability in the economy, as well as the landscape of agriculture, both locally and internationally.

Through the use of innovation, education, and a thorough knowledge of the entire production cycle, farmers of groundnuts can not only boost their yields and increase their profits, but they can also guarantee that their product is in line with market and consumer requirements.