Groundnut Farming in India: A Complete Guide from Seed to Export

Groundnut, also known as peanut, is one of India’s most widely cultivated and exported oilseed crops. Thanks to its versatility, high nutritional value, and increasing global demand, groundnut farming has become a profitable venture for Indian farmers and exporters alike.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about groundnut farming in India, from soil preparation and sowing to harvesting and export opportunities.

🌾 Why Groundnut Farming in India?

• High demand: Both domestic and international markets.
• Multiple uses: Oil, snacks, butter, sweets, and animal feed.
• Export value: India is one of the largest exporters of peanuts.
• Short crop cycle: Usually matures in 90–120 days.

Suitable Regions in India

Groundnut Farming in India is mainly grown in:

• Gujarat (No.1 producer)
• Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Rajasthan
• Maharashtra

Gujarat alone contributes over 40% of India’s groundnut production, making it a major hub for peanut exporters like Somnath Agri Impex. The region’s favorable climate, rich black soil, and strong agricultural infrastructure provide ideal conditions for large-scale peanut cultivation. With easy access to major ports like Mundra and Kandla, Gujarat also offers seamless export logistics, making it the preferred sourcing destination for buyers across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

🧪 Ideal Climate & Soil Conditions

• Climate: Tropical and subtropical; requires 25–30°C temperature
• Rainfall: 500–1000 mm during the growing season
• Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or black soil
• pH level: 5.5 to 7.0

Pro Tip: Avoid heavy clay soil or waterlogged areas.

🌱 Varieties of Groundnuts in India

Variety	Characteristics	Suitable Regions
Bold	Large kernels, reddish-brown skin	Gujarat, Rajasthan
Java	Small, round, white or pinkish skin	Tamil Nadu, Gujarat
TJ Peanut	Medium size, light brown skin	Andhra Pradesh
Organic Varieties	Grown without chemicals	Pan-India

For exporters, Bold and Java peanuts are in highest demand globally.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Groundnut Farming Process

1. Land Preparation

• Plough the field 2–3 times to get a fine tilth.
• Apply Farm Yard Manure (FYM) for fertility.
• Use a rotavator for leveling.

2. Seed Selection

• Use certified, disease-free seeds.
• Treat seeds with fungicide before sowing.
• Seed rate: 100–120 kg/ha for bold; 90–100 kg/ha for small varieties.

3. Sowing

• Time: June–July (Kharif) or November–December (Rabi)
• Spacing: 30 cm between rows, 10–15 cm between plants
• Depth: 4–6 cm

4. Irrigation

• Avoid waterlogging.
• Irrigate at critical stages: flowering, pegging, pod development.
• Drip irrigation improves yield.

5. Weed & Pest Control

• Manual weeding or pre-emergent herbicides
• Common pests: Aphids, jassids, leaf spot
• Use neem-based or approved chemical sprays

6. Harvesting

• Time: 90–120 days after sowing
• Signs: Yellowing leaves, pods mature and hard
• Method: Manual or mechanical digging

7. Drying & Storage

• Dry pods under sun for 4–5 days
• Store in jute bags in dry, ventilated area
• Maintain 8–10% moisture content

📦 From Farm to Market: Peanut Export from India

After harvesting and grading, groundnuts are packed and prepared for export. Exporters like Somnath Agri Impex ensure:

✅ Quality grading
✅ Moisture testing
✅ Clean, hygienic packaging (25/40/50 kg bags)
✅ Certifications like FSSAI, HACCP
✅ Fast delivery worldwide

Top Peanut Importing Countries:

• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• UAE
• Netherlands
• Malaysia
• Russia

✅ Final Thoughts

Groundnut farming in India offers a sustainable income source for farmers and a valuable product for global markets. With proper farming practices, quality seeds, and reliable exporters, India continues to shine in the world peanut trade.

📢 Need Bulk Peanuts for Export?

Connect with Somnath Agri Impex – a trusted name in the Indian peanut industry. Whether you need Java, Bold, TJ, or Organic Peanuts, we’ve got you covered with quality, consistency, and competitive pricing.