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

China is the top country producing peanuts in the world. As of 2022, China produced 18,329,500 tonnes of Peanut, accounting for 33.79% of the total production. India is the world's second-largest Peanut producer, with 10,134,990 tonnes, which represents 18.69% of the total production. In terms of Peanut yield, Uzbekistan is the most productive country on the planet with 166,229. Nigeria, the United States, and Sudan are the top three leading countries with '4,284,000', '2,525,670', '2,500,000', and '1,741,378' tonnes respectively. Brunei Darussalam has the lowest production of Peanuts in the world with only 2 tonnes in 2022. The world's total production of peanuts was estimated at 54,238,563 tonnes in 2022.

Source: FAOSTAT

Top 10 Countries by Peanut Production in 2022

Top Countries by Production of Peanut in 2022

Rank	Country	Production(Tonnes)	Acreage(Hectare)	Yield
1	China	18,329,500	4,440,000	41,283
2	India	10,134,990	5,704,740	17,766
3	Nigeria	4,284,000	3,400,000	12,600
4	United States	2,525,670	560,660	45,048
5	Sudan	2,500,000	3,000,000	8,333
6	Myanmar	1,741,378	1,194,161	14,582
7	Senegal	1,501,498	1,225,172	12,255
8	Argentina	1,346,166	406,477	33,118
9	Guinea	1,025,144	854,287	12,000
10	Brazil	848,194	220,382	38,487
11	Chad	829,431	762,642	10,876
12	Tanzania	710,000	1,020,000	6,961
13	Niger	670,613	1,003,762	6,681
14	Ghana	611,000	370,000	16,514
15	Central African Republic	574,467	193,031	29,760
16	Burkina Faso	559,064	623,769	8,963
17	Cameroon	500,000	450,000	11,111
18	Democratic Republic of the Congo	486,389	510,000	9,537
19	Mali	442,679	478,967	9,242
20	Vietnam	408,084	158,020	25,825
21	Indonesia	379,000	188,375	20,119
22	Malawi	350,000	400,000	8,750
23	Cote d'Ivoire	243,000	165,000	14,727
24	Angola	226,172	351,479	6,435
25	Nicaragua	222,240	49,303	45,076
26	Egypt	205,000	64,000	32,031
27	Zambia	190,150	253,033	7,515
28	South Sudan	189,802	275,604	6,887
29	Turkiye	186,340	45,701	40,774
30	Benin	163,837	158,638	10,328
31	Ethiopia	145,000	115,000	12,609
32	Guinea-Bissau	128,439	108,077	11,884
33	Uganda	120,000	330,000	3,636
34	Pakistan	114,385	129,224	8,852
35	Mozambique	114,162	228,325	5,000
36	Mexico	111,152	61,168	18,172
37	Sierra Leone	108,007	80,675	13,388
38	Zimbabwe	81,537	193,059	4,223
39	Bangladesh	74,748	40,268	18,563
40	Madagascar	63,135	81,198	7,775
41	The Gambia	55,902	71,275	7,843
42	Taiwan	51,000	19,000	26,842
43	South Africa	48,500	43,400	11,175
44	Togo	45,074	59,515	7,574
45	Lao PDR	40,990	16,760	24,457
46	Gabon	39,642	38,415	10,319
47	Philippines	31,519	23,685	13,308
48	Morocco	27,756	10,452	26,556
49	Sri Lanka	27,181	16,656	16,319
50	Republic of Congo	26,676	49,186	5,424
51	Thailand	26,597	11,731	22,673
52	Bolivia	26,567	19,216	13,826
53	Uzbekistan	22,802	1,372	166,229
54	Australia	22,033	6,666	33,053
55	Paraguay	21,055	25,113	8,384
56	Cambodia	20,000	18,000	11,111
57	Syria	19,008	6,494	29,270
58	Algeria	18,155	6,232	29,132
59	Japan	17,500	5,870	29,813
60	Israel	16,507	3,000	55,023
61	Tajikistan	16,035	3,768	42,561
62	Rwanda	15,617	34,663	4,505
63	Libya	14,313	8,769	16,323
64	Iran	12,339	2,449	50,384
65	South Korea	11,127	4,080	27,274
66	Kenya	11,000	9,797	11,228
67	Guatemala	10,449	2,303	45,368
68	Burundi	9,400	14,488	6,488
69	Haiti	8,821	40,627	2,171
70	Somalia	8,350	7,742	10,785
71	Lebanon	7,496	1,499	49,998
72	Dominican Republic	6,704	4,190	15,999
73	Liberia	6,574	8,412	7,815
74	Peru	5,620	3,671	15,310
75	Iraq	5,404	1,547	34,945
76	Ecuador	4,820	3,069	15,705
77	Comoros	4,805	5,478	8,770
78	Timor-Leste	3,137	3,200	9,802
79	Venezuela	2,763	861	32,094
80	Vanuatu	2,723	2,335	11,661
81	Colombia	2,645	1,805	14,652
82	Eritrea	2,258	3,042	7,422
83	Eswatini	2,174	5,037	4,316
84	Jamaica	2,012	1,682	11,962
85	Saudi Arabia	1,953	480	40,691
86	Uruguay	1,839	3,421	5,375
87	Papua New Guinea	1,519	1,458	10,421
88	Yemen	1,474	2,032	7,254
89	Tonga	1,279	2,074	6,168
90	Mauritania	852	1,064	8,006
91	Botswana	741	1,682	4,404
92	Namibia	436	1,215	3,589
93	Kyrgyzstan	390	137	28,467
94	Fiji	350	420	8,327
95	Guyana	315	20	161,450
96	Mauritius	311	136	22,868
97	Cuba	265	254	10,428
98	Belize	264	276	9,565
99	St. Vincent and the Grenadines	252	76	32,928
100	Costa Rica	226	207	10,913
101	Georgia	225	233	9,676
102	Malaysia	201	63	31,770
103	Bhutan	113	70	16,276
104	Honduras	82	151	5,400
105	Kazakhstan	16	23	6,852
106	St. Kitts and Nevis	14	9	15,801
107	Suriname	10	7	14,516
108	Barbados	8	4	18,008
109	Palestine	3	1	50,619
110	Brunei Darussalam	2	-	-

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.