Muhammad Saleem

Agricultural scientists and farmers have urged the government to benefit from the experiences of Chinese farmers and entrepreneurs who dominate the international peanut market. Sensing a surging trend of cultivation, the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, has also approved a plan for promotion of peanut cultivation in the Punjab province. Talking to WealthPK, Chaudhry Mushtaq Ali, Director of Agriculture (Farm and Training), Punjab, said the agricultural scientists had approved a plan for production of groundnut. He said groundnut was a dry fruit product popular both locally and globally. He said peanut was a cash crop and they were trying to promote its cultivation in Punjab. The crop will surely play a crucial role in improving the financial condition of the farmers in rain-fed areas, he added. Owing to its potential benefits, he said groundnut was also called the golden nugget. Its seed contains 44 to 56 percent high-quality oil and 22 to 30 percent nutrients that help people maintain their health. “Through different experiments, we came to the conclusion that increased groundnut production could be achieved through correct selection and preparation of land, good seeds, use of appropriate and balanced fertilizers and timely cultivation.

It is the need of the hour to introduce a plan that can increase the per acre production of groundnut,” he added. Speaking to WealthPK, Dr Ahmed, a faculty member of the University of Agriculture, said different countries like India, China, the United States, Senegal, Argentina, Brazil, and Indonesia were exporting peanut, earning a handsome forex. He said China was in a leading position and Pakistan could learn from the experiences of Chinese farmers and fetch the much-needed forex. Ahmed said India and China were ruling the peanut export market, meeting 36 percent of the demand in the international market. Peanut demand in the international market would exceptionally grow in future, given its use in the personal care products. Groundnut is not just a crop; it’s a complete source of regular income. The crop is strong, needing little amounts of water. Its market potential is also good, he added. AARI chief scientist Dr. Azizur Rahman said owing to its demand and good rates in the market, groundnut cultivation had surged in recent months. The farmers are cultivating groundnut with cotton and maize in the irrigated areas, he said. “A hot and humid climate is suitable for groundnut cultivation. Rain at regular intervals during growth is better for its crop. The rain-fed areas are very suitable for its cultivation, as such areas have the characteristics of a good soil and appropriate climate,” he said.

Speaking to WealthPK, Malik Zafar, a farmer from Jaranwala, suggested regular interaction between Pakistan and Chinese farmers for exchange of experiences. “We have cultivated wheat and sugarcane for decades but in the next season, we would try to cultivate peanuts on some portion of our land. Agricultural scientists have informed us that the peanut would prove a good source of income for the farmers, as it is high in demand abroad. If peanut production can change the agricultural landscape of Pakistan, fetch forex and bring us prosperity, then we must adopt it as a regular crop,” Malik Zafar suggested. He further suggested that the government should train the farmers properly to get maximum financial benefits from peanut production. Without proper training, he said the untrained framers would lose their money and interest in this new crop, he added. Another farmer, Riaz Ahmed, from Thikriwala, said because of the changing climate conditions and high cost of inputs, the farmers would not dare try groundnut cultivation. “We know that people like this snack in the winter, and traders earn a handsome amount by selling it; however, being farmers, we would not try a crop with no government support. We are being told that groundnut is a cash crop carrying huge profit margins as compared to other crops like corn, potatoes, sugarcane and some vegetables, but who will assure that the middleman will not exploit the farmers?”

Credit: INP-WealthPk