An Easy-to-Read Guide to Peanut Farming in India

Peanuts are among the most loved food intakes in the whole world. They are not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. Peanuts have both proteins and healthy fats, along with many of the essential vitamins; therefore, they come into the category of very nutritional food. So, how do the peanuts get to the plate from the farm? If you are interested in peanut farming, you can read about its various processes, from planting to harvesting, below.

Peanuts: A Unique Crop

Peanuts are quite unique among most crops in the fact that they grow under the ground. Most crops produce their seeds above the ground, but the flowers of a peanut grow above the ground while the peanuts form underneath the ground. Because peanuts grow underground, they are cultivated differently compared to corn or wheat crops. Beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts are among the family categories that produce legumes. Generally, they can contribute to an increase in the nitrogen content of soil.

Land Preparation:

Preparation of the soil is the initial process of raising peanuts. The peanut plant grows on sandy and drained soils so that there can be freedom in its growth by roots. Clearing weeds, debris, and rocks that would have obstructed its growth need to be removed before planting. Once this field has been cleared, it’s time to till the soil. A suitable tractor for such tilling purposes is the Sonalika Tractor 50 Hp. With its strong engine, it can break large soil clumps, making it easier for peanut roots to grow in good hold. The tractor levels the ground to a smooth surface that even accommodates planting.

Plantation Process

Once the soil has been prepared, it is time to plant peanut seeds. Traditionally, peanuts are seeded in rows with 6 to 8 inches between seed placements. The seeds themselves are about 1-2 inches deep in the soil, allowing the peanuts’ root system to form properly and allowing the plants to reach their full, optimal development underground.

The peanut seeds are normally planted using mechanised planters. These planters have proven to be more efficient than manual planting because farmers can plant large fields with ease and uniformity.

Nurturing Process:

After planting, the peanut plants need adequate attention for growth. Peanuts are usually light-sensitive and demand full sunlight and adequate moisture throughout the flowering and pod formation stages. However, it is somewhat drought-resistant and still needs enough water for healthy yields. Other methods include the use of irrigation systems, ensuring that the right amount of water is applied to the plants.

In addition, the peanut plants should be protected from pests and diseases that might destroy the crop, resulting in a loss. Farmers regularly monitor the crops for early signs of trouble. When pests such as aphids or root-knot nematodes are seen, farmers use pesticides or other treatments to protect the crop. Healthy and pest-free plants are the basis of a good harvest.

In addition, fertilisers may be applied to ensure that the plants get all the nutrients required for growth. The peanut plants absorb nitrogen from the air but still need other nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium for growth. The right type of fertiliser applied ensures that crops grow strong and healthy.

Harvesting Time:

The peanuts are ready to be harvested after about 4 to 5 months of growth. The signs of maturity in peanuts include yellowing of leaves and shedding of foliage. When this happens, it’s time to dig up the plants.

Farmers need to be careful not to damage the peanuts while digging them out of the ground. The special equipment, including the tractors, digs out the plants. For the task, the Sonalika 90 Hp Tractor is best suited as it can handle the heavy workload of lifting the plants out of the soil without causing damage to the peanuts.  Peanuts are moved into storage or processing areas by using the tractor.

During harvest, it is essential that the peanuts are dug up gently so they remain attached to the roots. The plants then remain in the field for some time before they are harvested.

Post-Harvesting Stage:

After the harvest, peanuts are required to be processed. The foremost procedure in post-harvest processing is drying. Peanuts need to be dried by decreasing their moisture content level as higher moisture may cause some amount of mould and ultimately spoil. In various places, peanuts are directly allowed to dry in fields; however, in a few other places, mechanical driers are used to shorten this process.

They then are cleaned of their dirt, stones, among other unwanted materials and possibly damaged peanuts, sorted by either size or quality. Various peanuts go for roasting as a snack, while some are sold to be taken for peanut butter, peanut oil, or to be cooked as part of an ingredients recipe.

After the harvest, proper storage also matters. The nuts have to be kept in a cool, dry place to avoid them from spoiling and going bad. They are typically kept in large bins or silos until they are prepared for processing or sale.

The Final Words:

Cultivating peanuts is a very exhaustive, laborious process that would require proper soil, proper care, and equipment. Each of the tasks, ploughing, sowing, and harvesting, tends to produce better yields of peanuts.

Farmers looking for a reliable tractor can buy any of the Sonalika 60 hp tractors. Additionally, the Sonalika 60 Hp Price offers a great balance of power and value. They will help you at every stage of peanut farming.  If the right equipment and proper farming practices are used, peanuts can be grown successfully and help meet the global demand for this nutritious legume.