Higher summer groundnut output in Gujarat: IOPEPC

The Indian Oilseed and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) has estimated summer groundnut production in Gujarat at around 459,000 tonnes, about 56 per cent higher than 294,000 tonnes last year.

The IOPEPC conducted a survey in various parts of Gujarat during April 28, 2012 and May 3, 2012 with assistance from Dantivada Agriculture University (DAU). The survey showed that groundnut sowing in Gujarat has increased to 187,000 hectares in 2012 from 115,000 hectares in 2011.

"The insight in to the quality of groundnut and sesame seed is considered to be of immense importance from the export perspective as the exporters can plan their effective export strategy considering the quality of groundnut and sesame seed being harvested and the requirement of importing countries. Therefore, in order to assess the area under cultivation, yield, productivity and quality of groundnut and sesame seed, the council conducts crop survey in all major oilseeds cultivating states during both the season i.e. kharif and rabi. Since Gujarat happens to be one of the key producer states of groundnut and sesame seed in India during rabi season, the council conducted crop survey in this state," said Rajesh Bheda, chairman, IOPEPC.

 

Groundnut price is ruling higher by almost Rs 300-350 per 20 kg in the range of Rs 1100-1150 per 20 kg. Due to higher export from the India, groundnut prices have shown an increasing trend during this year. As per the IOPEPC data, India exported about 600,000 tonnes of groundnut during 2011-12.

Commenting on the rising export of groundnut Bheda said, "Groundnut exports from India have increased tremendously mainly because of Chinese demand. It will continue this year too and we are hoping good export demand in summer groundnut also."

However some of the traders were not agree with the IOPEPC estimate and opposed the survey method.

According to some traders, summer groundnut production may not be more than 300,000 tonnes this year.

Good returns during the season has prompted farmers to take up more groundnut crop this year. According to IOPEPC, sesame production also is estimated to be higher by over 10 per cent.

IOPEPC has estimated around 52,200 tonnes of sesame production this summer, up from 47,500 tonnes in last year.

As per Gujarat Agriculture Department data, summer sesame was sown on 54,600 hectares in 2012. But according to IOPEPC survey, summer sesame was sown on about 43,000 hectares area which is 20 per cent less than the government data.