Groundnut exports up 450 per cent

Exports of groundnut have jumped almost 450 per cent in March 2004 at 29,552 metric tonnes over February's 8,000 MT.

The Solvent Extractor's Association of India said in March 2004, the entire export cargo was shipped through Kandla Port to Europe and USA. Total exports in the current season from November 2003 to March 2004 is reported as 81,056t.

The high volume of exports helped farmers during harvesting as export demand kept prices of groundnut firm. Farmers received good price in the last five months after the harvest.

This has encouraged growers to expand the area in the rabi season. In coming kharif season, there will be a visible expansion of groundnut area, SEA stated.

A good monsoon had led to a sharp increase in groundnut yield. As a result, marketing yards in Saurashtra, the most important groundnut producing region, received abundant and regular supply.

Groundnut meal exports rose to 126,750 tonnes from 15,225 tonnes last year.