Peanut also knows as Groundnut is
one of the top oil seed crop grown in Asian countries. Peanut is widely grown in
the tropics and subtropics, being important to both small and large commercial growers.
Peanut is an annual herbaceous plant that may reach up to 50 cm height. Peanut
belongs to the family of "Fabaceae" and genus of "Arachis".
India is the second largest producer of Peanuts next to China in Asia. Peanuts
are used in culinary preparation by roasting, making peanut flour and
extracting peanut oil. Peanuts are rich in essential nutrients. In a 100 grams
serving of peanuts provide 550 calories and are an excellent source of several
B vitamins, vitamin E, several dietary minerals, such as manganese, magnesium
and phosphorus, and dietary fiber. Peanut seed contains about 40 to 45 % of oil
and 25 % of protein. Peanut kernel is very easy digestible and the oil cake
obtained after the extraction of the oil from Peanut is a valuable organic
manure and animal feed. It contains 6 % 'N', 1 % phosphorus and 1% potash. Peanut
is a good rotation crop which builds up the soil fertility by fixing
atmospheric nitrogen through the root nodules. Peanut Farming is also an
excellent cover crop especially for lands exposed to soil erosion. Commercial Farming
of Peanut is pretty much successful and one can easily make decent profits
provided certain field management procedures are practiced.Read more here.
