Growth and instability in Indian groundnut: An analysis of area, production, yield and exports

Groundnut is a major oilseed crop around the world. It is one of the most important food and cash crops of India. This study examines growth and instability in area, production, yield and exports using secondary data. Growth and instability in area, production, and yield were analyzed for three sub-periods: Period I (1992-93 to 2001- 02), Period II (2002-03 to 2011-12) and Period III (2012-13 to 2021-22) along with the overall period (1992-93 to 2021-22). Export quantity and value were analyzed for 2013- 14 to 2022-23. Data were analyzed using compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and the Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDVI). At the national level during the overall period, Groundnut exhibited a negative CAGR in area (-1.72%) but positive growth in production (0.54%) and yield (2.30%). Groundnut production showed higher instability (21.33%) than area (8.73%) and yield (18.69%) with Gujarat recording the highest volatility in production (42.17%) and yield (39.07%). Groundnut exports grew in quantity (0.44%) and value (4.92%) with Bangladesh experiencing highest growth in quantity (99.89%) and value (92.39%). However, exports to Malaysia, Thailand, Russia and China declined due to aflatoxin concerns and increased competition.