Farmers adopt new technology for high groundnut output

In what could revolutionalise groundnut farming system in India, a few dozens farmers in Gujarat have adopted Chinese-born mulching technology which has the capacity to yield up to three times more output than the existing conventional techniques in India.

Initially, the planting was done on pilot basis in 50 acres just to experience the benefit of this technology. The initial growth in roots, stems and leaves was satisfactory. Hence, farmers believe the plants under mulching sheets will yield higher as compared to the plants under open air.

Developed by Chinese agri scientists, Mulching Technology requires groundnut plants to be covered with special mulching plastic sheets for moisture protection and maintaining plant growth for maximum yield. Agriculture with mulch in the tropics promotes plant health and vigor; and improves nutrient and water retention in the soil, encourages soil microbial activity and worms, and suppresses weed growth. When properly executed, mulching can significantly improve the well-being of plants and reduce maintenance as compared to bare soil culture. Mulched plants have better vigor and, consequently have improved resistance to pests and diseases.

“This technology has the capacity to yield 2-3 times higher output than the conventional techniques of groundnut farming. This means, the technology can revolutionalise entire groundnut farming in India,” said Nilesh Vira, Chairman of Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC).

Grown mainly through age-old farming techniques, groundnut yield in India currently at 700-900 kg per hectares (ha) is less than one-third of the world’s average of 2,200 kg per ha. Comparatively, average groundnut yield in China today stands at 2,300-2,400 kg per ha while the same in the US and Argentina is 3,000 kg per ha and 2,800 kg per ha respectively.

“We have adopted this technology on trial basis in Gujarat. If it works out well this kharif season, the new technology in groundnut planting will be extended to other parts of the country as well,” said Vira.

The biggest advantage of this technology is that the crop does not have to dependent on monsoon. The irrigation is done through mechanical means. Hence, the crop can be grown in off-monsoon season as well.