Peanut

Understanding About Crop

Nutritional Value:

• Peanuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins E and B-complex, and essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.
• They provide a high-energy food source supporting muscle growth and cardiovascular health.
• Peanut oil is widely used for cooking due to its favorable fatty acid profile and health benefits.

Dietary Diversity:

• Peanuts are consumed raw, roasted, in sweets, sauces, and as oil.
• Their versatility makes them a common ingredient in many cultural cuisines globally.
• Peanuts enrich diets by adding plant-based protein and healthy fats.

Economic Importance:

• Peanut farming offers steady income due to strong demand for both nuts and oil.
• Crop residues are valuable as animal fodder and organic matter for soil improvement.
• All about agriculture provides farmers with market insights and cultivation tips to maximize profit.

Crop Rotation:

• Rotating peanuts with cereals or legumes breaks pest/disease cycles and supports soil fertility.
• Crop rotation improves yield, reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, and boosts soil health.
• Peanuts enhance sustainability and productivity in farming systems.

Climate Resilience:

• Peanuts thrive in warm, humid climates with temperatures between 25–30°C.
• They require a frost-free period of about 120 days and are sensitive to waterlogging.
• Deep-rooted, they tolerate moderate drought but need adequate moisture during flowering and pod formation.

Health Benefits:

• Regular consumption aids heart health, controls blood sugar, and supports immune function.
• Peanuts are high in antioxidants and healthy fats beneficial for skin and overall wellness.
• Their inclusion in diets promotes balanced nutrition for all age groups.

Key Features

Climate and Soil Requirements

• Peanuts prefer warm temperatures 25–30°C and a frost-free period with around 120 days for optimal growth.
• Well-drained sandy loam or sandy clay loam soils with pH 5.8–6.2 are ideal for good root and peg development.
• Waterlogging is harmful; fields should have good drainage to prevent diseases and root rot.
• High organic matter content supports moisture retention and microbial activity.
• All about agriculture advises soil testing to correct pH and nutrient levels before sowing.

Land Preparation

• Deep ploughing to break hardpan layers and loosen soil to at least 30 cm encourages root growth and water infiltration.
• Remove stones, weeds, and crop residues to provide a clear seedbed and reduce pest habitats.
• Incorporate 10–12 tons per hectare of farmyard manure or compost several weeks before planting.
• Level the land for uniform irrigation and avoid waterlogging during rains.
• Proper land preparation improves seed-to-soil contact, encouraging high germination and crop uniformity.

High-Yielding and Hybrid Seed Selection

• Use certified, disease-free seeds of varieties like JL 24, TMV 7, and K-6, selected for local adaptability and resistance.
• Hybrid varieties may offer higher yields, better oil content, and disease resistance but require proper management.
• Seed stocks should be refreshed every 2–3 years to maintain seed vigor and high germination rates.
• Conduct pre-sowing germination tests and avoid damaged seeds for better crop establishment.
• All about agriculture updates farmers on latest recommended varieties.

Seed Treatment

• Treat seeds with fungicides such as Thiram or Captan (3 g/kg seed) to control seed-borne pathogens.
• Insecticide treatment protects against soil pests like termites and pod borers that damage seedlings.
• Soak seeds overnight or for 8-12 hours to promote quicker and uniform germination.
• Dry treated seeds in shaded areas before sowing to maintain viability.
• Follow safe handling practices and updated guidelines from All about agriculture.

Sowing and Planting Methods

• Sow seeds 3–5 cm deep in well-prepared fields when soil temperature is above 18°C.
• Maintain plant spacing of 30–45 cm between rows and 10–15 cm between plants within rows for optimum growth.
• Use seed drill or dibbling for uniform distribution; avoid broadcasting which leads to uneven stands.
• Optimum sowing in India is from June to August for Kharif season and November to January for Rabi with irrigation.
• Pre-sowing soil moisture encourages quick germination and healthy seedling establishment.

Nutrient and Fertilizer Management

• Incorporate well-decomposed organic manure to improve soil structure and supply essential nutrients.
• Apply balanced NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations: generally 20–30 kg N, 60–80 kg P2O5, and 40–60 kg K2O per hectare.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen as it promotes vegetative growth at the expense of pod development.
• Micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and boron may be required for better yield and quality.
• All about agriculture recommends soil testing and customized fertilization plans.

Irrigation and Water Management

• Peanuts need consistent moisture especially at flowering and pegging stages for high-yield pods.
• Drip or furrow irrigation helps conserve water and prevent disease by avoiding waterlogging.
• Avoid overwatering which causes fungal diseases and poor root health.
• Mulching reduces evaporation and suppresses weed growth in dry conditions.
• Use rainfall and soil moisture monitoring tools suggested by All about agriculture to plan irrigation.

Intercultural Operations

• Early and frequent weeding reduces competition for nutrients, moisture, and light.
• Shallow cultivation encourages better aeration and root expansion.
• Crop residue management by incorporation improves fertility and microbial activity, reducing pests.
• Gap filling and plant thinning after emergence help maintain plant population for optimum yield.
• Timely intercultural activities are crucial to crop health and productivity.

Pest Management

• Common pests include aphids, thrips, white grubs, and pod borers damaging leaves, roots, and pods.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines cultural, biological, and chemical controls for sustainable pest suppression.
• Use pheromone traps, biopesticides like neem extract, and release natural predators.
• Rotate pesticides to avoid resistance and minimize environmental impact.
• All about agriculture provides regular pest alerts and IPM updates to growers.

Disease Management

• Diseases such as leaf spot, stem rot, and rust reduce pod yield and quality.
• Use disease-resistant varieties and fungicide-treated seeds to reduce incidence.
• Crop rotation, field sanitation, and timely fungicide sprays prevent disease spread.
• Remove infected plants and debris immediately to reduce inoculum in the field.
• Professional monitoring and All about agriculture’s guidance help manage diseases effectively.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

• Harvest when plants start yellowing, and pods are fully mature but before shattering begins.
• Use combine harvesters or manual methods, then dry pods thoroughly before threshing.
• Clean and dry seeds to below 10% moisture before storage to prevent spoilage.
• Store peanuts in cool, dry, pest-proof containers to maintain quality and seed viability.
• All about agriculture advises marketing strategies to optimize farmer profits.

Other Important Points

• Peanut shells and haulms provide valuable livestock feed, adding farm income streams.
• Crop residues improve soil organic matter and moisture retention when incorporated after harvest.
• Monitor government schemes, insurance, and market trends for peanut farming on All about agriculture.
• Peanuts contribute significantly to food security and nutrition worldwide.