How to Harvest Groundnut: A StepbyStep Guide

How to Harvest Groundnut?

To harvest groundnuts, it is important to wait until the leaves of the plant turn light yellow, indicating that the plant is ready for harvest.

Ripe groundnuts can be identified by dark veins inside the pods.

Harvesting usually begins between 100 days to 6 months after sowing, and the entire plant is dug up, with most of the soil removed.

After digging up the plant, the groundnuts need to be dried in the sun for a few days.

It is crucial to ensure that the groundnuts are dry before storage to prevent fungal contamination.

To dry the groundnuts, they should be left in the sun for about a week, turning them over to ensure even drying.

Once fully dried, the pods can be easily removed from the plant and stored in a cool and dry place for several months.

Proper storage conditions, such as cleanliness, a pest-free environment, and good ventilation, are necessary to preserve the quality of groundnuts.

Key Points:

  • Wait until the leaves turn light yellow to harvest groundnuts
  • Ripe groundnuts have dark veins inside the pods
  • Harvesting begins between 100 days to 6 months after sowing; dig up the entire plant and remove most of the soil
  • Dry the groundnuts in the sun for a few days before storage to prevent fungal contamination
  • Leave groundnuts in the sun for about a week, turning them over, to ensure even drying
  • Once fully dried, remove pods from the plant and store in a cool and dry place for several months with proper storage conditions


Did You Know?

1. The groundnut, scientifically known as Arachis hypogaea, is not actually a nut but a legume, belonging to the same family as peas and lentils.

2. Groundnut plants are unique because their flowers bloom above the ground, but then curve downward to penetrate the soil, where the peanuts will develop. This process is known as geocarpy.

3. While groundnuts are commonly associated with the United States, they actually originated in South America thousands of years ago. Indigenous tribes in Brazil were the first to cultivate and consume groundnuts.

4. Groundnuts are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, proteins, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They are also a source of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant known for its heart-protective benefits.

5. The largest producers of groundnuts worldwide are India and China, collectively accounting for nearly 70% of the global groundnut market. These countries have a long history of groundnut cultivation and highly value this versatile crop.

Profitability Of Groundnut Planting In Nigeria

Groundnut farming in Nigeria is a highly profitable venture due to the high demand for its nutritious seeds and edible oil. Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, can be processed in various ways, including boiling, frying, and roasting, making them a versatile and sought-after crop in the country.

In addition to being a popular snack, groundnuts are also used in the production of peanut butter, cooking oil, and animal feed, further increasing their commercial value.

Northern Nigeria, particularly states like Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Bauchi, is known for its thriving groundnut farming industry. The region’s favorable climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing high-quality groundnuts. Generations of farmers in these areas have developed extensive knowledge and expertise in the cultivation and management of this crop. As a result, groundnut farming has become a major source of income for many smallholder farmers in the region.

  • High demand for groundnut seeds and edible oil
  • Groundnuts can be processed in various ways
  • Groundnuts are used in the production of peanut butter, cooking oil, and animal feed
  • Northern Nigeria has a thriving groundnut farming industry
  • Favorable climate and fertile soil in the region
  • Groundnut farming is a major source of income for smallholder farmers in the region
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Best Practices For Growing Groundnuts

To achieve optimal yields, certain best practices should be followed when growing groundnuts. First and foremost, selecting the right planting location is crucial. Groundnuts thrive in calcium-rich sandy soil, and planting on mountain ridges has been proven to produce higher yields compared to planting on flat surfaces. Additionally, groundnuts can tolerate colder climates by using early-maturing varieties or planting on south-facing slopes, providing opportunities for farmers in regions with varying climatic conditions.

Proper care and maintenance of the groundnut plants are essential throughout the growth cycle. Weeding is crucial to prevent competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Regularly removing weeds not only improves productivity but also reduces the risk of diseases and pests. Before flowering, piling up soil around the plants promotes better root development and increases productivity.

  • Select the right planting location: calcium-rich sandy soil, mountain ridges
  • Consider using early-maturing varieties or south-facing slopes in colder climates
  • Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition and reduce the risk of diseases and pests
  • Promote better root development by piling up soil around the plants before flowering.

Harvesting And Drying Groundnuts

Knowing the right time to harvest groundnuts is crucial for maintaining yield and quality. Harvesting typically begins when the leaves of the plant turn light yellow, indicating maturity. Ripe groundnuts can be identified by the presence of dark veins inside the pods. The harvest period can vary, ranging from 100 days to 6 months after sowing, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

During the harvesting process, the entire plant is dug up from the ground, and most of the soil is removed. This is done to expose the underground pods for easy collection. After harvesting, it is important to dry the groundnuts in the sun for a few days. This step is necessary to reduce moisture content and prevent the development of fungi. If the harvest is delayed, the pods may fall off and remain underground, causing losses and damage to the crop.

Once the groundnuts are sufficiently dried, the pods can be easily removed from the plant and stored. They can either be stored in a cool and dry place for several months or used immediately. For optimal drying, it is recommended to leave the groundnuts in the sun for about a week, turning them over regularly to ensure even drying. The pods must be very dry to prevent contamination by fungi and ensure a longer shelf life.

Challenges In Postharvest Management Of Groundnuts

Groundnut postharvest management presents several challenges for farmers. One of the main obstacles is the implementation of poor drying practices, which can lead to high moisture content and the development of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by certain fungi that contaminate groundnuts, posing health risks to humans and animals alike. Employing proper drying methods, such as air drying in well-ventilated areas or using mechanical dryers, is crucial to prevent aflatoxin contamination.

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Storage is another critical aspect of postharvest management. Groundnuts are highly susceptible to pest attacks, and inadequate storage conditions can result in notable losses and compromised quality. To ward off insect pests, it is common practice to store groundnuts unshelled. For storage, properly sealed bags made from jute or polythene are commonly used. However, it is recommended to utilize hermetic technologies like PICS (Purdue Improved Crop Storage) bags for effective preservation against insect pests and mitigation of aflatoxin.

Storage And Preservation Techniques For Groundnuts

To ensure the quality and longevity of stored groundnuts, here are some techniques that should be followed:

  1. Curing: This essential step helps decrease the moisture content of groundnuts for long-term preservation. After drying, spread the groundnuts in a single layer on clean, dry floors or mats for about 15 to 20 days. This allows any remaining moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of mold growth and deterioration.

Proper storage conditions are crucial for preserving groundnut quality:

  1. Temperature and humidity: Store groundnuts in a cool and dry place with a temperature of 10-15°C and a relative humidity of 65-70%. This helps prevent moisture build-up and minimize insect infestation.

  2. Ventilation: Good ventilation is necessary to prevent the build-up of moisture. This helps maintain optimal storage conditions and reduces the risk of mold, pests, or deterioration.

Regular inspections should be conducted to monitor for any signs of mold, pests, or deterioration.

It is important for farmers to adhere to these storage and preservation techniques to ensure that their groundnuts maintain high quality and have a longer storage duration. With proper handling and management, groundnuts can be stored for up to 10 months without significant quality loss.

Remember:

  • Curing is essential for long-term preservation.
  • Store groundnuts in a cool and dry place with proper temperature and humidity.
  • Ensure good ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
  • Regularly inspect for signs of mold, pests, or deterioration.

Pest Control Methods For Groundnut Crops

Groundnut crops are susceptible to various pests and insects that can cause significant damage. Common pests include aphids, leaf miners, thrips, whitefly, red hairy caterpillar, groundnut pod borer, and bud necrosis virus. These pests can reduce crop yield and quality if not properly managed.

Biological control methods can be employed to manage pests in groundnut crops. This involves releasing natural enemies such as ladybird beetles, parasitic wasps, and spiders, which feed on the pests and help control their population.

Additionally, chemical control methods using specific insecticides and pesticides formulated for groundnut crops can be used to prevent and mitigate pest infestations.

Both manual and mechanical harvesting methods can be utilized, depending on the scale of the operation. Manual harvesting involves pulling the plants out of the ground and shaking off the soil attached to the roots. Subsequently, the harvested groundnuts are left to dry in the field for a few days before further processing.

Threshing, the process of separating the dried groundnuts from the plant debris, is typically done after drying. This can be achieved through several methods, including manual threshing or the use of mechanical threshers.

In conclusion, groundnut harvesting is a crucial step in the production process that determines the yield and quality of the final product. By following the right techniques and practices, such as harvesting at the right time, thorough drying and curing, and proper storage conditions, farmers can ensure high-quality groundnuts and maximize their profits. Additionally, tackling pest and disease management through biological and chemical control methods is essential for protecting groundnut crops and maintaining productivity.

  • Biological control methods: natural enemies (ladybird beetles, parasitic wasps, and spiders) are released to feed on the pests.
  • Chemical control methods: specific insecticides and pesticides formulated for groundnut crops are used to prevent and mitigate pest infestations.
  • Harvesting: can be done manually by pulling plants out of the ground and shaking off soil, or using mechanical methods.
  • Threshing: separating dried groundnuts from plant debris can be achieved through manual threshing or the use of mechanical threshers.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the methods of harvesting groundnut?

The process of harvesting groundnut depends on the type of groundnut plant. For bunch-type groundnut, the plants are manually pulled out of the ground during harvesting. On the other hand, for spreading-type groundnut, harvesting is carried out using a local plough or a blade harrow. After harvest, it is important to leave the crop in small heaps for two to three days to allow for curing and drying. This curing and drying process helps to enhance the overall quality and preservation of the harvested groundnut crops.

What tools are used to harvest groundnuts?

In the process of harvesting groundnuts, specialized tools known as groundnut digger shakers play a pivotal role. These tools are specifically designed to efficiently extract the groundnut crop from the soil. Groundnut digger shakers consist of sharp blades that penetrate the ground and loosen the surrounding soil, facilitating the retrieval of the crop. As these blades vibrate and move forward, they gently lift and separate the groundnuts from the soil, ensuring minimal damage to the harvested crop. With this ingenious tool, farmers can harvest groundnuts effectively and with minimal manual labor, improving efficiency and productivity in the process.

What is the post harvest process of peanuts?

After the wilting process, peanuts go through a post-harvest procedure to ensure proper preservation and prevent damage. Traditionally, the pods are spread on bare ground with their faces down to dry. However, caution must be taken during rapid drying under the scorching sun, as it can make the pods and kernels brittle, leading to cracking. To prevent this, an A-frame constructed with poles is used to stack the groundnuts, ensuring proper airflow. It is essential to maintain a 30cm distance from the ground level for the lower rail of the A-frame, allowing adequate ventilation and preventing moisture retention. This post-harvest method aims to preserve the peanuts’ quality and prevent any potential damage during the drying process.

What is the cropping system of groundnut?

Groundnut is commonly grown using either the sole cropping or intercropping system. In the sole cropping system, groundnut is cultivated as a single crop and occupies the entire cropping period. This method allows farmers to focus exclusively on groundnut cultivation, enabling them to maximize yields and effectively manage pests and diseases specific to groundnut. On the other hand, the intercropping system involves growing groundnut alongside other crops. This approach offers several advantages such as maximizing land use, increasing crop diversity, and improving resource efficiency through mutual sharing of sunlight, water, and nutrients. Intercropping groundnut enhances biodiversity and provides farmers with a diversified income source while promoting sustainable farming practices.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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