Gujarat leads India in peanut production with over 22 lakh hectares under cultivation: Official
Gujarat is once again proving why it’s India’s peanut powerhouse. The state leads the nation in peanut farming and output, covering over 22 lakh hectares of land and accounting for more than half of the country’s total production. Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel shared this exciting update, highlighting how peanuts drive the local economy.
This year, Gujarat aims to shatter records with an estimated 66 lakh metric tonnes of peanut production—the highest ever for the state. Farmers and experts are buzzing about this milestone, as it shows the crop’s growing importance in Gujarat agriculture.
Last year, the state bought 12.22 lakh metric tonnes of peanuts from over 3.67 lakh farmers at the minimum support price (MSP). This deal was worth a whopping Rs 8,295 crore, giving growers a solid financial boost. Peanuts have been a key player in both India’s and Gujarat’s economy for decades, and India ranks among the world’s top peanut-producing countries, thanks largely to Gujarat’s massive contribution.
The numbers tell an impressive story of growth. Back in 2018-19, peanut cultivation spanned just 15.94 lakh hectares, but it jumped 25% this year to 22 lakh hectares. Production followed suit, rising from 22 lakh metric tonnes then to 52.20 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25. Now, with projections hitting 66 lakh metric tonnes, it’s triple the amount from six years ago. This surge in peanut farming in Gujarat reflects smart strategies and favorable conditions.
To support farmers, the government sets MSP before the sowing season and buys the crop directly at that rate. In 2020-21, over 1 lakh farmers sold more than 2 lakh metric tonnes worth Rs 1,068 crore. Last year’s record harvest built on that success, and procurement at MSP will keep going strong this season too.
What’s fueling this boom in Gujarat peanut production? Higher market prices, rising MSP, government purchases, and better seeds from research. Farmers now prefer high-yield varieties like Gujarat Groundnut-20, 32, 39, 23, and Girnar-4, developed by state agricultural universities and the Indian Peanut Research Institute.
Peanuts aren’t just a cash crop—they’re a staple in Gujarati life. People use them for snacks, oil, and even animal feed from the shells. The state’s soil and climate make it perfect for growing them, especially in Saurashtra, known as the “peanut hub” where cultivation has thrived for over 150 years.
As Gujarat pushes ahead with peanut farming, it continues to secure livelihoods and boost the economy. Stay tuned for more updates on this vital crop!
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