UP govt promoting peanut cultivation, Bundelkhand in focus

Lucknow, Jun 19 (PTI) The UP government is actively promoting peanut cultivation, especially in Bundelkhand, where production has surged in recent years, an official statement said on Thursday.

Often called the "almonds of the poor" for their rich nutrition and versatility, peanuts hold vast market potential in Uttar Pradesh - both domestic and export.

According to Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Directorate of Economics and Statistics, during 2013-2016, Uttar Pradesh accounted for just 2 per cent of India's total peanut cultivation area, contributing approximately 1 million tonne to the national production of around 7.9 million tonne.

However, due to consistent efforts under the double-engine government, UP's share in peanut cultivation has risen significantly, more than doubling to 4.7 per cent. Most of this growth has occurred in Bundelkhand and adjoining districts, the statement said.

In a strategic move under the UP AGREES (Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening) project, supported by the World Bank, the state government is developing Jhansi as a dedicated peanut cluster.

"This initiative includes all seven districts of Bundelkhand: Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Banda, and Chitrakoot. The cluster-based model is expected to enhance exports and ensure better returns for farmers through improved pricing," it stated.

Nationally, Gujarat leads peanut production with a 47 per cent share, followed by Rajasthan (16 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (10 per cent).

In UP, Bundelkhand is the primary peanut-producing region, with Jhansi at the forefront. Other key districts include Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Lalitpur, Mainpuri, Hardoi, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Aligarh, Kasganj, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Badaun, Etah, Unnao, Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, and Shravasti, according to the statement.

The government noted that while UP has made significant progress, past figures indicate the potential for further growth.

"During 2013-2016, India's average yield was 1,542 kg per hectare, while UP's yield was only 809 kg per hectare...Tamil Nadu, by contrast, led with a productivity of 2,679 kg per hectare," it said.

"This gap highlighted UP's untapped potential. Through improved agricultural practices, adoption of high-yield varieties, and timely crop protection measures, UP has since raised its yield above the previous national average, currently reaching approximately 1,688 kg per hectare," it added.

Further, to ensure fair prices and incentivize farmers, the government is also procuring peanuts at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), currently set at Rs 6,783 per quintal, the government said.

Procurement is facilitated by NAFED in districts like Mainpuri, Hardoi, and Etawah, and by NCCF in Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Aligarh, Kasganj, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Badaun, Etah, Unnao, Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, and Shravasti, it added. PTI KIS ANU ANU