Peanut

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
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China
18,329,5004,440,00041,283
2
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India
10,134,9905,704,74017,766
3
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Nigeria
4,284,0003,400,00012,600
4
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United States
2,525,670560,66045,048
5
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Sudan
2,500,0003,000,0008,333
6
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Myanmar
1,741,3781,194,16114,582
7
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Senegal
1,501,4981,225,17212,255
8
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Argentina
1,346,166406,47733,118
9
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Guinea
1,025,144854,28712,000
10
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Brazil
848,194220,38238,487
11
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Chad
829,431762,64210,876
12
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Tanzania
710,0001,020,0006,961
13
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Niger
670,6131,003,7626,681
14
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Ghana
611,000370,00016,514
15
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Central African Republic
574,467193,03129,760
16
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Burkina Faso
559,064623,7698,963
17
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Cameroon
500,000450,00011,111
18
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
486,389510,0009,537
19
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Mali
442,679478,9679,242
20
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Vietnam
408,084158,02025,825
21
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Indonesia
379,000188,37520,119
22
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Malawi
350,000400,0008,750
23
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Cote d'Ivoire
243,000165,00014,727
24
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Angola
226,172351,4796,435
25
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Nicaragua
222,24049,30345,076
26
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Egypt
205,00064,00032,031
27
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Zambia
190,150253,0337,515
28
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South Sudan
189,802275,6046,887
29
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Turkiye
186,34045,70140,774
30
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Benin
163,837158,63810,328
31
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Ethiopia
145,000115,00012,609
32
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Guinea-Bissau
128,439108,07711,884
33
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Uganda
120,000330,0003,636
34
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Pakistan
114,385129,2248,852
35
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Mozambique
114,162228,3255,000
36
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Mexico
111,15261,16818,172
37
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Sierra Leone
108,00780,67513,388
38
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Zimbabwe
81,537193,0594,223
39
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Bangladesh
74,74840,26818,563
40
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Madagascar
63,13581,1987,775
41
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The Gambia
55,90271,2757,843
42
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Taiwan
51,00019,00026,842
43
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South Africa
48,50043,40011,175
44
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Togo
45,07459,5157,574
45
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Lao PDR
40,99016,76024,457
46
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Gabon
39,64238,41510,319
47
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Philippines
31,51923,68513,308
48
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Morocco
27,75610,45226,556
49
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Sri Lanka
27,18116,65616,319
50
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Republic of the Congo
26,67649,1865,424
51
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Thailand
26,59711,73122,673
52
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Bolivia
26,56719,21613,826
53
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Uzbekistan
22,8021,372166,229
54
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Australia
22,0336,66633,053
55
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Paraguay
21,05525,1138,384
56
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Cambodia
20,00018,00011,111
57
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Syria
19,0086,49429,270
58
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Algeria
18,1556,23229,132
59
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Japan
17,5005,87029,813
60
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Israel
16,5073,00055,023
61
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Tajikistan
16,0353,76842,561
62
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Rwanda
15,61734,6634,505
63
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Libya
14,3138,76916,323
64
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Iran
12,3392,44950,384
65
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South Korea
11,1274,08027,274
66
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Kenya
11,0009,79711,228
67
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Guatemala
10,4492,30345,368
68
Flag
Burundi
9,40014,4886,488
69
Flag
Haiti
8,82140,6272,171
70
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Somalia
8,3507,74210,785
71
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Lebanon
7,4961,49949,998
72
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Dominican Republic
6,7044,19015,999
73
Flag
Liberia
6,5748,4127,815
74
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Peru
5,6203,67115,310
75
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Iraq
5,4041,54734,945
76
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Ecuador
4,8203,06915,705
77
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Comoros
4,8055,4788,770
78
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Timor-Leste
3,1373,2009,802
79
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Venezuela
2,76386132,094
80
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Vanuatu
2,7232,33511,661
81
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Colombia
2,6451,80514,652
82
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Eritrea
2,2583,0427,422
83
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Eswatini
2,1745,0374,316
84
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Jamaica
2,0121,68211,962
85
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Saudi Arabia
1,95348040,691
86
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Uruguay
1,8393,4215,375
87
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Papua New Guinea
1,5191,45810,421
88
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Yemen
1,4742,0327,254
89
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Tonga
1,2792,0746,168
90
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Mauritania
8521,0648,006
91
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Botswana
7411,6824,404
92
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Namibia
4361,2153,589
93
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Kyrgyzstan
39013728,467
94
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Fiji
3504208,327
95
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Guyana
31520161,450
96
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Mauritius
31113622,868
97
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Cuba
26525410,428
98
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Belize
2642769,565
99
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines
2527632,928
100
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Costa Rica
22620710,913
101
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Georgia
2252339,676
102
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Malaysia
2016331,770
103
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Bhutan
1137016,276
104
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Honduras
821515,400
105
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Kazakhstan
16236,852
106
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St. Kitts and Nevis
14915,801
107
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Suriname
10714,516
108
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Barbados
8418,008
109
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Palestine
3150,619
110
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Micropyle: The micropyle is a small hole in the seed coat that allows water and air to enter the seed during germination.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Virginia Peanuts: Virginia peanuts are large and have a crunchy texture. They are often used for roasting and are a popular snack food.
  3. Spanish Peanuts: Spanish peanuts are smaller than other varieties and have reddish-brown skin. They are commonly used for making peanut butter and candy.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Animal Feed: Peanut meal, which is the byproduct of peanut oil production, is often used as a protein-rich feed for livestock and poultry.
  4. Fuel: Peanut shells can be burned as a biofuel, which is a renewable energy source that produces less pollution than fossil fuels.
  5. 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.