Keywords
Groundnut Cultivation
Cost of Cultivation
Sowing Season
Value Addition
How to Cite
Abstract
Groundnut, a vital oilseed crop in India, plays a significant role in both domestic consumption and export earnings. Tamil Nadu is among the key producers, with cultivation spread across semi-arid regions receiving 500 to 1250 mm of rainfall annually. In 2023–2024, India exported over 680,000 metric tonnes of groundnut valued at USD 860 million, with major export destinations being Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia (APEDA, 2024). Within Tamil Nadu, approximately 6.3 lakh hectares were dedicated to groundnut farming, yielding nearly 11 lakh tonnes, with 70% of cultivation under rain fed conditions (Ministry of Agriculture, GoI, 2023). This study focuses on Namakkal district, a prominent rained cultivation zone, to investigate the factors influencing cultivation practices, cost structure, sowing schedules, and the adoption of value-added practices by farmers. Primary data were collected from 120 farmers using a random sampling method, and the analysis was performed using Chi-square tests, Regression models, and Correlation analysis. The results reveal a significant association between farm size and sowing seasons, and a strong positive correlation between land area and production volume. Regression analysis confirms that the cost of land preparation is the most influential factor affecting overall operating costs. This paper highlights the need for better price realization, training in value addition, and policy support to enhance productivity and profitability for rainfed groundnut farmers.
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