Groundnut is a leguminous crop grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It goes by different names among which are pea nut, earthnut, monkey nut, gooper nut and manila nut. Groundnut has both food and commercial values. In the First Republic, groundnut was one of the most significant cash crops in which the country depended upon to earn foreign exchange. This was when proceeds from groundnut, palm oil, cocoa and rubber were the mainstay of the Nigerian economy. You remember the groundnut pyramids of the northern Nigeria?

Incidentally, when the country began to exploit oil in commercial quantity and began to reap petrodollars coupled with other environmental factors, agriculture in its entirety was neglected. Now with the crash of oil revenue, government is turning to agriculture to grow the economy. Groundnut is still a great crop with potential to make money locally and in the international market.

Groundnut is grown in great quantity in the northern states of Kwara, Kaduna, Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba and Yobe. It also grows well in South East and South West states. China, India, Nigeria, the United States and Sudan are greatest world producers of groundnut, producing more than 70 percent of total production. In short, Nigeria is the highest producer in Africa.

Uses

Groundnut has variety of uses. It is eaten in various ways – roasted, fried or boiled. It can also be processed into many other products including oil and animal feeds.AdvertisementAdvertisement

Health Benefits

As food, it has both nutritional and health benefits. Groundnut contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and antioxidants which help to keep the body healthy. As a result, it has medicinal properties that repair body tissues, lower risk of cancer, improve skin health, build strong bones, among many others.

Cultivation

Groundnut can be planted twice in a year, first in March or thereabouts and in August or thereabouts depending on your location. It grows very well in well-drained, sandy or very loose soils. Clear and till the soil and after about three or four times’ rainfall, you begin to plant. You can plant in ridges or flat beds. In planting ensure that you give about 25 cm space in between to avoid overcrowding and to get good yields. Ensure that the farm is weeded at the appropriate time; otherwise, the weeds would choke the plants and negatively affect the productivity. Add fertilizer as at and where necessary. Note that groundnut could be intercropped with maize or guinea corn.

Harvesting AdvertisementAdvertisement

It takes about three months for groundnut to mature. That means that if you plant in March, it would mature by June or July and if you plant in August it would be due for harvest in November or thereabouts.

Storage

Groundnut seeds need to be properly dried before bagging them for storage. If not properly dried, the seeds would get mould and get spoiled. Many are into the business of buying groundnuts during the season of harvest when they are cheap and storing them and selling when there is a great margin. They either sell them unshelled or in shelled forms.

Processing

Groundnuts can as well be processed into cooked, roasted, or fried. Nigerians consume a lot of groundnuts and those into these categories make a lot of money. Yet some have set up groundnut oil processing factories, creating jobs and empowering many economically. While some process into cakes, others have taken to livestock feeds production, among others. Each of these value chains has a great potential to build a financial empire.

Export

As alluded to earlier, groundnuts export had been one of the major foreign exchange earner for the country. Groundnuts produced in Nigeria are mainly exported to countries like India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia. Those who play in the export of the produce are counting in millions and billions of naira. However, to engage in the business, you need enough capital, you need to undergo some tutelage on the processing, packaging, haulage, principles and practice of international trade.

Profitability

Groundnut business is a lucrative business because each of the value chains is in great demand and a potential money spinner. Whether you play as a farmer, trader, processor, or exporter, it is a win-win situation. In engaging in commercial groundnut farming, you will not only empower yourself financially, but also contributing your quota in diversifying Nigeria’s economy. This may give you the breakthrough you are looking for. Right on! Drop me a note if you care.

Source: Independent