Groundnut Production Expected to be 40 percent More Than Last Year

Due to bumper production in Gujarat, the groundnut production in the country is likely to be around 40% more than last year (2018). According to Solvent Extractors Association, an industry body, which keeps traces on oilseeds production in India, the groundnut production is expected to be around 5.1 million tonnes this year in comparison to 3.73 million tonnes last year. Out of 5.1 million tonnes, Gujarat’s contribution is around 3.21 million tonnes that is more than double of last year’s production of 1.59 million tonnes.

“B V Mehta, Executive Director of Solvent Extractors Association said that "This year due to timely and enough rainfall in major groundnut growing areas of Gujarat, the production has doubled. The yield has improved from 1095 kg/ha to 2071 kg/ha. The area under cultivation has increased from 1.46 million ha to 1.55 million ha".

The Government has roughly calculated that even more production at 6.1 million tonnes. According to the first estimate which was released last month production was estimated at 6.1 million tonnes.  A senior agriculture department official said that “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".