Improved Groundnut Production Technology

Groundnut is an important oilseed crop grown in kharif/summer in Dharwad district. The farmers of Dharwad, Hubli, Kundgol and Kalaghatagi taluk have being growing for many years with available local seeds (namely JL-24 & TMV-2) which are ungraded having low vigour, viability and susceptible to many of the pest & disease. In addition to this most of the farmers are not following the recommended package for its cultivation which reflects on the yield & quality of groundnut. These varieties are very much susceptible for foliar disease like rust and leaf spot and suffers loss in yield up to 25%. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dharwad analyzed the constraints and organized several trainings and group discussion & meetings on its improved cultivation practices with special emphasis on use of newly developed variety GPBD-4 was introduced with seed treatment (Rhizobium, PSB and Trichoderma).

A few stakeholders among the groundnut growers were selected as per ICAR norms, the cluster villages of Dharwad district and front line demonstration along with local check were laid out with improved variety (GPBD-4) and package of practices. This simple practice resulted in better plant population with good vigour, number of peg per plant and number of pods/ plant drastic reduction in leaf spot and rust disease. The plant population was 90% in demonstration plot with good vigour while it was 80% with low vigour in the local check. The disease incidence was brought down to 5-6% in the demonstration plot as against 50% in the local check. The beneficiaries of groundnut demonstration appreciated the interventions made by the KVK and the technology was disseminated to other farmers through extension activities such as field day, which was organized at Jeerigawad village on demonstration plot. A few of the farmers exchanged their views on the success of the demonstration the beneficiaries realized that the improved package of practices along with certified seeds (GPBD-4). As a result the beneficiaries under the demonstration could harvest on average of more than 18 q/ha as against an average yield of 16 q/ha in the check plot. 

There was a clear 12.5 % increase over the check that is normally grown by the farmers in this area. The beneficiaries are happy, because they could raise their income by Rs. 4,070/ha by the improved package of practice. Over a years farmers have expressed great satisfaction on the performance of this variety with respect to describe traits such as higher yield, higher selling percentage, good quality fodder, high oil content and fetches higher price (Rs.150-200/q) have contributed to its popularity in the district. Now, it has already replaced 20% of the existing varities TMV-2 & JL-24 in coming years its going to occupy major area under cultivation in the district.