Growth of Groundnut cultivation activities in Gujarat
The rise in groundnut cultivation is primarily attributed to increased sowing activities in Kutch and north Gujarat regions. The State Agriculture Department has released its latest figures, highlighting the expansion. With the exception of Central Gujarat, all other major growing areas in the state have experienced a notable surge in groundnut sowing. This positive trend suggests favorable prospects for farmers, anticipating good prices for the crop in the future.
Sowing area has increased by 31%
In the current kharif season, Groundnut cultivation in Gujarat has marked a significant growth of approximately 31%. According to the State Agriculture Department’s recent statistics, groundnut cultivation in Gujarat has covered a total of 1.328 million hectares area in the current season. In comparison, during the same period last year, the crop was cultivated in 1.014 million hectares, indicating a significant increase of 314,100 hectares or 30.95% in groundnut sowing.
27% growth in Saurashtra region
Saurashtra, renowned as Gujarat’s primary groundnut cultivation hub, has experienced significant expansion. The latest data from the Gujarat Agriculture Department reveals that groundnut cultivation in Saurashtra has reached 1.155 million hectares in the current season, compared to 0.905 million hectares in the corresponding period last year. This indicates an increase of 250,300 hectares or 27.65% in groundnut cultivation in Saurashtra.
Growth of Groundnut cultivation in Kutch & North Gujarat
Kutch has shown the most substantial increase in groundnut cultivation within the state. The Gujarat Agriculture Department’s recent figures indicate that groundnut has been cultivated across 21k hectares in Kutch this season, compared to 10.7k hectares in the same period last year, resulting in a remarkable growth of 10.3k hectares or 96.26%. Following Kutch, North Gujarat has also witnessed significant progress. The latest data reveals groundnut cultivation reaching 0.149 hectares in the region, compared to 93.3k hectares during the corresponding period last year. This indicates an increase of 56.5k hectares or 60.55% in groundnut cultivation in North Gujarat.
Growth in Southern Gujarat is comparatively less than other regions
Southern Gujarat has observed a modest growth in groundnut cultivation, with only 300 hectares sown thus far in the current season, compared to 200 hectares in the same period last year, representing an increase of 100 hectares or 50%.
In contrast, central Gujarat stands out with a decline in groundnut cultivation compared to other major producing regions. The latest figures from the State Agriculture Department indicate groundnut cultivation across 2,500 hectares in central Gujarat this season, compared to 5,400 hectares during the corresponding period last year, reflecting a decrease of 2,900 hectares or 53.70%.