Groundnut Contains 48 to 50% Oil and 24 to 25% Protein

Groundnut is an important Oil Crops contain 45 to 50 % of Edible oil and 24 to 25 % of Protein and 25 to 30% of Vitamin B & E. The protein is well balanced, it has more protein than meat and any other vegetable foods. In Bangladesh a great portion of this crop is directly used as "fried food". Although Groundnut Oil is edible but it is not as popular as Mustard Oil. The seed grows under the ground looks like a shell, inside the shell 1 to 3 number of seeds.

The Groundnut is a native of South America. But its cultivation has increased rapidly in Indian Subcontinent and inmany other countries in Asia.

The nuts are used to make various tasty biscuits by confectioners. An edible product is prepared both in Urban and Rural areas by mixing the roasted nuts in a paste of Molasses. It has a great medicinal value, it builds a resistive power against some well known diseases like Tuberculosis, Hepatitis. The oil that Groundnut contains is easily digested, that's why these are useful consumptives.

Soil and Climate:

A light sandy soil is essential for growing Groundnut well. In Sandy loam and silt loam, it grows also but not better than light sandy soil. But now a days it is grown even in well-drained heavy black soil. But the important thing is that the soil should be light and soft so that the Gynophores can easily penetrate the soil and go underground to help growing the nuts.

Medium rainfall, sufficient sunshine and comparatively higher temperature are essential during the growth phase of Groundnut. The region where rainfall varies from 1070 - 1140 mm, Groundnut grows successfully, although it can even stands in heavier rainfall up to 50-60 inches (1270 - 1520 mm).

Botanical Description:

Groundnut is a leguminous plant, its scientific name is Arachis Hypogae. It is a dwarf & deep green cover crop. Every plant develops many branches with thick foliage. The Groundnut Plants of some varieties are erect while some are creepers. Small yellow flowers are borne throughout the entire plant, but nut develops mostly from the flowers borne at the basal areas. After pollination, the Gynophores go under the soil and develop as nuts.

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