Question

Describe the cultivation of groundnut under the following heads: (a) Selection of soil and preparation
(b) Two improved varieties
(c) Time of sowing and seed rate per hectare
(d) Manure and fertilizer per hectare
(e) Yield per hectare

Hint:

Groundnut is a legume crop, so excessive nitrogen fertilizer is not needed — focus more on phosphorus, calcium, and proper seed treatment.

Answer 1

(a) Selection of soil and preparation
- Groundnut requires well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils rich in calcium and organic matter.
- Heavy clay soils are unsuitable as they hinder pod development.
- Land should be ploughed 2–3 times with a disc or mould board plough, followed by harrowing to get a fine tilth.
- Proper leveling ensures uniform germination and irrigation efficiency.
(b) Two improved varieties
- JL-24: Short duration, high-yielding, suitable for rainfed conditions.
- TG-37A: Widely grown variety, tolerant to drought.
(Other options: K-6, GG-20, Kadiri-6).
(c) Time of sowing and seed rate per hectare
- Time of sowing: - Kharif crop – June–July with onset of monsoon.
- Rabi crop – November (in irrigated areas).
- Seed rate: - 100–120 kg/ha (for bunch types).
- 140–160 kg/ha (for spreading types).
(d) Manure and fertilizer per hectare
- FYM/Compost: 8–10 tons per hectare applied at land preparation.
- Fertilizers: - Nitrogen: 20 kg/ha.
- Phosphorus: 40–60 kg P$_2$O$_5$/ha.
- Potassium: 40 kg K$_2$O/ha (if soil is deficient).
- Gypsum (250 kg/ha) is often applied at flowering to improve pod filling (Ca supply).
(e) Yield per hectare
- Average yield: 15–20 quintals/ha under rainfed conditions.
- Improved varieties under irrigation: 25–30 quintals/ha.