Plans to Develop a Peanut Cluster
The Yogi government ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) initiative, efforts are ongoing to bring global recognition to famous local products from each district of Uttar Pradesh. In the rural areas of Bundelkhand, soft toys like teddy bears were being made from old clothes for many years. Thanks to the ODOP scheme, these products found a platform in the global market, providing local artisans with access to wider markets and increased opportunities. Building on this success, the Yogi government has now taken steps to bring global recognition to peanuts from Jhansi.
Plans to Develop a Peanut Cluster:
The government aims to develop Jhansi as a peanut cluster, giving its peanuts the opportunity to be recognized not only in India but internationally. Jhansi’s peanuts will be known for their distinct taste and quality. The export of these peanuts will also bring in foreign exchange, boosting the income of local farmers. It has been observed that, due to the government’s efforts, the production and cultivation area of peanuts in Jhansi have significantly increased over the past few years.
Increasing Peanut Yields:
According to government data, from 2013 to 2016, the average peanut yield in India was 1,542 kg per hectare, while Uttar Pradesh’s yield was only 809 kg per hectare. At that time, UP contributed merely 2% to India’s total peanut production. However, over the past decade, significant changes have occurred. The peanut cultivation area in Uttar Pradesh has increased to 4.7%, which is 2.5 times higher than before. The national average yield of peanuts has also risen to 1,688 kg per hectare.
Gujarat Leads Peanut Production:
Gujarat remains the top peanut-producing state, with over 2 million hectares of land under peanut cultivation, contributing 47% of the country’s total production. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu follow, contributing 16% and 10%, respectively.
Rising Demand for Peanuts in Bundelkhand: Farmers in Bundelkhand are increasingly turning to peanut farming. The versatile nature of peanuts has driven demand not only in local markets but also in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The UP government, with support from the World Bank, will capitalize on this growing demand to create more opportunities for farmers to increase their income.
Medicinal and Commercial Benefits of Peanuts: Peanuts are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering health benefits such as improved heart health, digestion, and weight management. Peanut oil, packed with antioxidants and Vitamin E, is beneficial for skin and hair. Additionally, peanuts are used in various products like animal feed, snacks, curries, chutneys, salads, and peanut butter, making them a commercially valuable crop.
