The scientific name for groundnuts plant is arachis hypogaea while the local name( Swahili ) is njugu Karanga.Groundnuts are a small erect or trailing herbaceous legume, about 15 to 60 cm high. The fruit is a pod with one to five seeds that develops underground within a needle-like structure called a peg. The seeds are rich in oil (38-50%), protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamins. Groundnuts have also considerable medicinal value. They are reported to be useful in the treatment of disease such as haemophilia, stomatitis, and diarrhoea.
There are two main varieties of peanuts in east Africa namely:_
(1) The runner type and
(2) The bunch type (Red Valencia).
Bunch varieties are small, tastier and a highly marketable variety. It matures in 90 – 100 days. The runner is the larger variety and is preferred because of the high yields, it matures in 120 – 150 days.
They take a shorter time span in the farm and have a huge market in east Africa (Tanzania)
CONDITIONS OF GROWTH
1. The crop grows well in warm tropics and subtropics below 1500 M above sea level.
2. Optimum daily growing temperatures requirements are 30º C and growth stops at 15º C.
3. The plant does not tolerate frost and cooler temperatures delay flowering and seed formation.
4. Water requirements are 500 to 600 mm well distributed throughout the growing season for good growth.
5. The crop is drought resistant and can survive severe lack of water but yields are reduced.
6. Pods grow underground crumbly free draining soils are required. But the plants also grow well in heavier clay soils.
7. Harvesting in wet condition should be avoided, to prevent development of aflatoxin, a severe poison produced by Aspergillus spp of fungus, which releases chemicals dangerous to human health. The fungus causes both seeds and seedlings to rot. The infected seedlings are covered with black fungal spores. PH requirements range from 5.5 to 6.5.
TIME FOR PLANTING
The planting date is difficult to standardize. However, farmers should plant as soon as there is adequate moisture in the ground to ensure good germination. In general, groundnuts are planted between,January , February and April during the first season and in early August for the second season. Planting in the first two weeks after the onset of rains is considered suitable.
SOWING
Planting date is linked to rainfall distribution in the area and length of the crop season. Soil moisture must be sufficient to guarantee good germination. Seeds must not be sown immediately after heavy rains since they imbibe too much water, which causes rotting. This also results in excessive soil compaction, which may hinder germination. In general early sowing improves yields (significant delay in sowing can reduce yield by 50%) and seed quality.
Seeds should be sown at a depth of 5–6 cm. To ensure uniform sowing depth, germination and crop stand, it is suggested that a groove 5–6 cm in depth is made along the rows for planting and, once the seed has been planted at the right depth and spacing, the soil is pressed down to ensure good contact with the seeds, enabling them to extract moisture more effectively.
It is important to sow groundnut seed in rows and at the right spacing as this helps:
1. To reduce the incidence of rosette disease
2. ensures a more uniform pod maturity, better quality seed and
3. Maximizes yield.
Planting groundnut plants closer together results in individual plants setting fewer pods, but over a short period of time. Overall, this will ensure that the pods will be of a similar age and stage of development and, therefore, make it easier to decide when to harvest. Wider spacing will produce fewer yields per hectare.
SPACING
Spacing depends on the growth habit and the variety. Small seeded Spanish types (bunch) are spaced at 30-45 cm between rows and 7.5-10 cm between plants. This gives an optimum plant population of 167,000 per hectare. The large-seeded Virginia types (runner) are spaced at 60 cm between rows and 10-15 cm between stations, giving an optimum plant population of 89,000 per hectare. Under irrigation, plant population can be as high as 250,000 plants/ha. This depends on variety characteristics, seed quality and planting density. With manual sowing, individual seeds are sown 3-5 cm deep.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GROUND NUTS CONSUMPTION
Groundnuts (peanuts) are a nutrient-dense, affordable food packed with plant-based protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Regular consumption promotes heart health by lowering bad cholesterol, aids in weight management due to satiety, controls blood sugar, and supports brain function and skin health.
Benefits of Groundnuts :
1:Heart Health: High in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.2:Protein Source: An excellent, cost-effective plant protein for vegetarians and vegans, providing a complete amino acid profile.
3:Weight Management: Despite being high in calories, their high protein and fiber content promote fullness, helping to manage weight.
4:Blood Sugar Control: Low in carbohydrates and low on the glycemic index, making them a suitable snack for managing diabetes.
5:Rich in Nutrients: Contains Vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and niacin (B3), which are essential for energy metabolism, immune function, and bone health.
6:Antioxidant Power: Rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity.
7:Brain Function & Skin: Contains folate and niacin, which improve brain function, and Vitamin E, which supports skin health and reduces aging signs.