Peanut

Overview

Production

Country Production

Cultivation

What is Peanut?

Peanut, also known as groundnut or goober, is a legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is an annual plant that grows up to 50cm in height and has yellow flowers that eventually transform into pods containing two to three seeds. Peanuts are believed to have originated in South America, but they are now grown in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and North America.

Peanuts are an important crop for both commercial and subsistence farmers. They are used for a wide range of purposes, including oil extraction, food processing, and animal feed. The plant is also valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which helps to improve soil fertility. In some cultures, peanuts have cultural and spiritual significance and are used in various rituals.

One of the unique features of peanuts is that they grow underground, unlike most other legumes that grow above ground. This makes harvesting peanuts a bit more challenging than other crops, but it also offers some benefits, such as protection from pests and diseases. Peanut farming requires adequate rainfall and well-drained soils. Farmers must also take precautions to prevent soil erosion, which can damage the fragile roots of the plant.

Peanuts have a rich history and are an important food source for many people around the world. The crop is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, from making peanut butter to producing biodiesel. Despite some concerns about allergenic reactions to peanuts, this legume continues to be a popular and valuable crop that contributes to the food security of many communities.

Peanut Production in the World

The global production of Peanut plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, China is the top producer, contributing 19,230,700 tonnes, which accounts for 35.43% of the total global production. India ranks second, producing 10,296,708 tonnes, representing 18.97% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Nigeria, United States, and Myanmar, with production levels of 4,300,000, 2,671,670, and 1,785,642 tonnes, respectively. Barbados has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 7 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Peanut reached approximately 54,272,900 tonnes in 2023.

Top 10 Countries by Peanut Production in 2023

Countries Ranked by Peanut Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)	Acreage (Hectare)	Yield
1	China	19,230,700	4,830,656	3,981
2	India	10,296,708	4,961,181	2,076
3	Nigeria	4,300,000	3,450,000	1,246
4	United States	2,671,670	636,980	4,194
5	Myanmar	1,785,642	1,234,041	1,447
6	Senegal	1,493,090	1,188,774	1,256
7	Sudan	1,386,000	3,014,000	460
8	Guinea	1,000,000	900,000	1,111
9	Argentina	962,674	371,627	2,590
10	Brazil	875,205	235,687	3,713
11	Chad	782,177	749,372	1,044
12	Burkina Faso	683,183	754,457	906
13	Indonesia	640,000	273,953	2,336
14	Ghana	600,000	370,000	1,622
15	Central African Republic	591,669	198,811	2,976
16	Tanzania	586,216	669,260	876
17	Cameroon	540,000	540,000	1,000
18	Democratic Republic of the Congo	497,197	510,000	975
19	Niger	455,000	1,020,000	446
20	Mali	454,736	494,789	919
21	Vietnam	400,172	152,388	2,626
22	Malawi	350,000	400,000	875
23	Egypt	247,687	70,000	3,538
24	Cote d'Ivoire	240,000	165,000	1,455
25	Zambia	235,446	325,576	723
26	Angola	233,483	361,101	647
27	Mozambique	226,498	575,792	393
28	Nicaragua	206,868	50,166	4,124
29	South Sudan	189,628	267,236	710
30	Turkiye	185,137	46,010	4,024
31	Benin	178,954	242,694	737
32	Zimbabwe	160,550	369,772	434
33	Guinea-Bissau	143,818	121,249	1,186
34	Uganda	140,000	330,000	424
35	Pakistan	120,937	142,864	847
36	Ethiopia	115,000	90,000	1,278
37	Mexico	91,209	45,632	1,999
38	Sierra Leone	88,608	66,343	1,336
39	Bangladesh	67,173	35,526	1,891
40	Madagascar	56,206	63,332	888
41	The Gambia	55,000	55,000	1,000
42	South Africa	53,000	31,300	1,693
43	Togo	45,208	59,903	755
44	Lao PDR	43,563	16,308	2,671
45	Taiwan	40,000	20,000	2,000
46	Gabon	32,593	31,549	1,033
47	Philippines	31,772	25,039	1,269
48	Sri Lanka	29,680	16,597	1,788
49	Republic of the Congo	26,573	49,820	533
50	Bolivia	26,448	19,172	1,380
51	Thailand	26,019	11,285	2,306
52	Kenya	24,000	20,924	1,147
53	Morocco	22,224	8,250	2,694
54	Syria	19,721	6,106	3,230
55	Algeria	18,253	5,754	3,172
56	Paraguay	16,782	17,272	972
57	Uzbekistan	16,497	1,063	15,519
58	Australia	16,347	5,100	3,205
59	Tajikistan	15,852	3,619	4,380
60	Japan	15,700	5,710	2,750
61	Libya	14,423	8,978	1,607
62	Israel	13,721	3,000	4,574
63	Rwanda	13,196	28,936	456
64	Haiti	13,100	40,100	327
65	Iran	12,245	2,595	4,718
66	Cambodia	12,000	10,000	1,200
67	Burundi	10,602	16,367	648
68	Guatemala	10,290	2,141	4,807
69	South Korea	9,000	3,306	2,722
70	Somalia	8,370	7,753	1,080
71	Lebanon	7,573	1,634	4,635
72	Dominican Republic	7,203	4,535	1,589
73	Liberia	6,806	8,183	832
74	Iraq	6,719	1,832	3,667
75	Peru	5,869	3,938	1,490
76	Comoros	4,847	5,518	878
77	Timor-Leste	3,488	5,388	647
78	Venezuela	3,021	956	3,161
79	Ecuador	2,610	3,447	757
80	Colombia	2,447	1,698	1,441
81	Eritrea	2,262	3,042	744
82	Eswatini	2,215	4,944	448
83	Saudi Arabia	2,017	484	4,169
84	Jamaica	2,011	1,611	1,248
85	Uruguay	1,848	3,432	538
86	Vanuatu	1,614	1,396	1,156
87	Papua New Guinea	1,547	1,480	1,045
88	Yemen	1,462	2,015	726
89	Tonga	1,255	2,035	617
90	Mauritania	825	1,031	801
91	Kyrgyzstan	652	197	3,310
92	Botswana	406	1,621	251
93	Namibia	375	1,074	349
94	Fiji	355	428	831
95	Mauritius	348	151	2,305
96	Belize	291	306	951
97	Guyana	248	16	15,508
98	Costa Rica	227	208	1,089
99	Georgia	224	239	939
100	Cuba	150	144	1,043
101	Malaysia	138	51	2,693
102	St. Vincent and the Grenadines	124	36	3,444
103	Bhutan	121	80	1,516
104	Honduras	82	152	538
105	Suriname	52	17	2,993
106	Kazakhstan	16	23	704
107	St. Kitts and Nevis	15	10	1,548
108	Palestine	10	2	5,019
109	Barbados	7	4	1,783

Cultivation of Peanut

The cultivation of peanuts holds significant agricultural value and comprises various crucial stages. Below are essential considerations to bear in mind when engaging in peanut cultivation:

Climate and Soil: To thrive, peanuts necessitate a warm climate characterized by temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, they thrive in well-drained soils that possess ample organic matter. The optimal pH range for successful peanut cultivation falls between 5.5 and 6.5.
Seed Selection: Selecting high-quality seeds is imperative for achieving successful peanut cultivation. It is essential to choose seeds that are free from disease, damage, and deformities. Alternatively, opting for certified seeds provides an added assurance of quality and improved yield.
Planting: Typically, peanuts are planted in rows, maintaining a distance of 20-30 cm between rows and 5-10 cm between individual plants. The recommended planting depth ranges from 3-5 cm. Additionally, providing adequate water during planting is crucial to facilitate proper seed germination.
Fertilization: To achieve the best growth and yield, peanuts require an adequate supply of nutrients. Meeting the crop's nutrient requirements is crucial, and this can be accomplished by applying a combination of organic manure and mineral fertilizers that contain essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Weed Control: Weeds pose competition for nutrients and diminish the yield of peanuts. To mitigate this, it is crucial to manage weeds through methods such as manual weeding or the application of herbicides.
Disease and Pest Control: Peanuts are susceptible to several diseases and pests, such as leaf spots, rust, aphids, and thrips. The use of certified disease-free seeds, crop rotation, and timely application of pesticides are some of the measures to control disease and pest infestation.
Harvesting: Harvesting of peanuts typically takes place around 120-150 days after planting. As the plant progresses, its leaves gradually turn yellow, and the pods reach maturity. Harvesting involves uprooting the entire plant from the ground and subsequently drying the pods.

In conclusion, successful peanut cultivation requires careful planning and implementation of various agricultural practices. By following the above points, farmers can achieve higher yields and better quality peanuts, contributing to food security and economic growth.

Health Benefits of Peanut

Peanuts are a popular and versatile food that offer several health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the key health benefits of peanuts:

Heart Health: Peanuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. They also contain fiber, potassium, and magnesium, which are beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Weight Management: Despite being high in calories, research has shown that consuming peanuts in moderation can help with weight management. This is because peanuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.
Blood Sugar Control: Peanuts have a low glycemic index, meaning they can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. They are also rich in magnesium, which is an essential mineral involved in glucose metabolism.
Brain Health: Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage. Vitamin E has also been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Nutrient Density: Peanuts are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, folate, niacin, and zinc. They also contain phytochemicals such as resveratrol, which have been linked to several health benefits.

To sum up, peanuts are a nutritious food with numerous health advantages when incorporated into a well-balanced diet. Nonetheless, it is crucial to be mindful that peanuts are also rich in calories and fat. Therefore, it is essential to consume them in moderation as part of an overall healthy eating regimen.

Nutritional Information of Peanut

Here is the approximate nutritional value of peanuts per 100 grams:

Calories: 567 kcal
Protein: 25.8 g
Fat: 49.2 g
Carbohydrates: 16.1 g
Fiber: 8.5 g
Sugars: 4.7 g
Calcium: 92 mg
Iron: 4.6 mg
Magnesium: 168 mg
Phosphorus: 376 mg
Potassium: 705 mg
Sodium: 18 mg
Zinc: 3.3 mg
Vitamin C: 0 mg
Thiamin (B1): 0.6 mg
Riboflavin (B2): 0.1 mg
Niacin (B3): 12.1 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg
Folate (B9): 240 µg
Vitamin E: 8.3 mg

Peanuts offer a valuable supply of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and a range of vital vitamins and minerals. Moreover, they contain abundant antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds associated with numerous health advantages.

Structure of Peanut

A peanut, also known as a groundnut, is a legume that grows underground. The peanut has a unique structure that consists of several parts, including:

Seed Coat: The seed coat is the outermost layer of the peanut and is brown in color. It protects the kernel from damage and moisture loss.
Cotyledons: The cotyledons are the two fleshy seed leaves that make up most of the peanut's structure. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients.
Embryo: The embryo is the small, white part of the peanut that is responsible for germination and growth. It is located at the pointed end of the kernel.
Hilum: The hilum is the small scar on the peanut that marks the point where it was attached to the plant. It is located at the opposite end of the embryo.
Micropyle: The micropyle is a small hole in the seed coat that allows water and air to enter the seed during germination.
Radicle: The radicle is the embryonic root of the peanut that emerges first during germination. It grows downward into the soil to anchor the plant and absorb nutrients.
Plumule: The plumule is the embryonic shoot of the peanut that emerges after the radicle. It grows upward to form the stem and leaves of the plant.

In summary, the peanut has a unique structure that consists of a seed coat, cotyledons, embryo, hilum, micropyle, radicle, and plumule. Each part plays an important role in the growth and development of the peanut plant.

Types of Peanut

There are several different types of peanuts, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of peanuts:

Runner Peanuts: Runner peanuts are the most common type of peanut grown in the United States. They are known for their uniform size and shape, which makes them ideal for processing peanut butter and roasted nuts.
Virginia Peanuts: Virginia peanuts are large and have a crunchy texture. They are often used for roasting and are a popular snack food.
Spanish Peanuts: Spanish peanuts are smaller than other varieties and have reddish-brown skin. They are commonly used for making peanut butter and candy.
Valencia Peanuts: Valencia peanuts are known for their sweet flavor and are often used for making boiled peanuts, which are a popular snack in the southern United States.
Jungle Peanuts: Jungle peanuts are a wild variety of peanuts that are native to South America. They are smaller than other varieties and have a rich, nutty flavor.

In addition to these common types, there are also several specialty varieties of peanuts, such as organic peanuts, roasted peanuts, and flavored peanuts. Each type of peanut has its unique flavor and texture and can be used in a variety of different recipes and dishes.

Uses of Peanut

Peanuts are a versatile food that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common uses of peanuts:

Food: Peanuts are often used as a snack food, either roasted and salted or as part of a trail mix. They can also be ground into peanut butter, which is a popular spread for toast, sandwiches, and celery sticks. Peanuts are also used in a variety of dishes, such as peanut soup, peanut sauce, and peanut brittle.
Oil: Peanut oil is a popular cooking oil that is often used for frying and baking. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures without burning. Peanut oil is also used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as soap and lotion.
Animal Feed: Peanut meal, which is the byproduct of peanut oil production, is often used as a protein-rich feed for livestock and poultry.
Fuel: Peanut shells can be burned as a biofuel, which is a renewable energy source that produces less pollution than fossil fuels.
Fertilizer: Peanut shells and other peanut waste can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants, as they are rich in nitrogen and other nutrients.

In addition to these uses, peanuts are also used in traditional medicine and have been shown to have several health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and improving cognitive function.