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Deficient rains in Gujarat — the key growing State — is set to bring down groundnut output in the country by as much as 29 per cent to about 37.35 lakh tonnes (lt) for the year 2018-19 as against last year’s 52.57 lt.

The decline in crop size is despite the near normal acreage witnessed this kharif sowing season. As per the estimates released by the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA), the crop size in the State will halve from 31.45 lt to about 15.95 lt.

Gujarat’s groundnut acreage for 2018-19 was at 14.67 lakh hectares — down 8 per cent from 16 lakh ha reported last year. According to trade sources, insufficient rains in the growing regions led to the decline in the sowing. Also, in some districts of Saurashtra region where the crop was sown, the farmers reportedly pulled off groundnut plants due to shortage of water.

Gujarat has received total rainfall of 637 mm against the normal 831 mm, marking a 23 per cent deficit. The major groundnut growing regions of Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat are facing a deficit of 27 per cent, 74 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.

“The rain was deficient in the key growing State of Gujarat. Moreover, there were extended dry spells, which hurt the crop prospects in the State. But the scenario in other States is not much worrisome,” said BV Mehta, Executive Director, SEA.

However, for Gujarat, the decline in crop size may get partially compensated by the last year’s carryover stocks held at Nafed warehouses. As per an estimate, about 6 lt of the oilseed is still lying with Nafed, hence the overall availability of groundnut seed for crushing and processing will hover around 20-22 lt.

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