GROUNDNUT CULTIVATION CAN REDUCE CHRONIC SHORTAGE OF EDIBLE OIL IN COUNTRY: PAU

LUDHIANA, MAY 10:





"High yield potential, low water, fertilizer requirements and the increasing demand make the groundnut an important crop," said the Plant Breeding and Genetics (PBG) experts of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Divulging that currently, more than half of the total edible oil need of the country is met through imports, the experts observed that the cultivation of groundnut will certainly help in reducing the chronic shortage of the edible oil. They informed, "Last week of April to mid-May in the most ideal time for sowing the groundnut crop under irrigated conditions. It can also be sown upto the end of May but with progressive reduction in pod yield and oil content due to short period available for growth. Under rainfed conditions, the crop should be sown with the onset of rains i.e. in end June or early July."



Highlighting the importance of groundnut crop, Dr Virender Sardana said that it is a vital source of edible oil and protein and contains several minerals (phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, potassium) and vitamins (E, K and B). He further told that groundnut fits well in double and multiple cropping systems and benefits the succeeding crops by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. The current productivity of nearly 7 quintals per acre of groundnut in the state is almost half of its potential, he revealed, while emphasizing on following the improved agronomic practices to obtain higher yield.



Another expert, Dr Pushp Sharma told that the groundnut can be successfully grown on loamy sand, loamy or sandy soil with overlying loamy sub-soil. Light textured soils facilitate easy penetration of pegs, development of pods and easy harvesting. Dr Sharma informed that crop performance is better in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5). "Two to three ploughings with disc harrow or cultivator are adequate. However, for crop grown under rainfed conditions, one or two additional ploughings may be given to increase infiltration of water in to the lower layers of soil for subsequent use by the crop," he said.



Referring to the groundnut varieties, Dr Sukhpreet Singh said that Spanish bunch and semi-spreading type varieties have been recommended for cultivation in the state under irrigated conditions. Variety SG 99 is a Spanish bunch type variety which bears pods near the main root like a bunch, he told, saying that this character facilitates its easy picking. Variety M552 is a semi-spreading bold seeded variety preferred for table purpose, he added.



The PAU experts impressed upon the farmers to focus on proper method of sowing, fertilizer and irrigation requirements and weed management. The crop should be harvested in time because the delayed harvesting may delay sowing of succeeding crops, they stressed.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com