Groundnut exports may touch 4 lakh tonnes

India's groundnut exports during the current year is likely to touch around 4 lakh tonnes, up from 3.4 lakh tonne in 2009-10 season, on the back of growing international demand that is supported by the crop failure in China. Groundnut year is calculated on the basis of the crop season, which lasts between November to September.

According to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) India exported 3.4 lakh tonnes of groundnut during 2009-10. Traders and exporters estimate the net exports during the current year that will end in September to be around 4 lakh tonne.

As against 3.4 lakh tonne between November 2009 to September 2010, in the current year India has already exported 2.89 lakh tonnes of groundnut till December 2010, according to data provided by Indian Oilseed and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC).

“We are expecting 10 to 15 per cent higher exports compared to last year as the buyers who import from Chine turn to India. Even China is also buying from India at present. Moreover, the quality of our products will help us to attract international buyers”, said Rajesh Bheda, vice chairman of IOPEPC.

“Export of groundnut will increase from India as the crop failed in China due to flood. Good demand in the international market coupled with higher availability is likely to turn global importers to India”, said Vikram Duvani of Rachana Seeds Industries from Junagadh. Rachana Seeds has one of the largest peanuts processing plants in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is involved in shelling, processing grading and packing of peanuts and exports the commodity across the world.

India exports groundnut to more than 75 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Gulf, Philippines, Canada, USA and EU countries. India is the second largest groundnut producing country after China. Government estimated 71 lakh tonnes of groundnut production in India for the year 2010-11, which was 55 lakh tonnes in 2009-10. Gujarat is the largest groundnut producing state in the country with expected production of 22 lakh tonnes in 2010-11. Last year, Gujarat produced16 lakh tonnes of groundnut.