It's just peanuts is a misnomer in today's cost of living. So let's see how the common man's nut evolved over the years,and can it continue to be so in the many years to come?
Global Peanut Market
The new crop season began in India with Spanish peanuts harvested
Peanut Innovation
Agricultural waste like peanut shells is widely available, and turning them
Sustainability
Paired-row planting and furrow irrigation are agricultural practices
Good Agri Practices
Groundnuts are adapted to soil with a pH of 5.3 or higher, if the pH is
Market Wizard
Peanut prices have risen a
whopping 175% since 1987 (Gold
went up 300%). The classic saying
to mean "cheapness" is "It's just
peanuts" is outdated. In these
times, one has to be practically
ignorant about price inflations to
use such a phrase, or would it
sound rude to the learned? (lol..).
Peanut production has grown
162% since 1987, and consumption has increased 160%. Thes are some reasons why the price
kept up with the trends of the time.
Rising population and rising GDP
growth rates have evolved peanut
products from merely a bean to a
produce, to a nut, to an oil, to a
snack, to butter, and what's next?
a medicine?
If we statistically extrapolate the
production, consumption and pricing trends till the year 2050, it
will cost $3 for a kilo of peanut
compared to $0.45 in 1987.
In addition, the peanut industry is growing to become a 50 billion dollar industry (from the present $32bn), with over 68 million tons
projected to be produced by 2050 from the current 44 million tons. And don't forget; peanut constitutes 88% of global nut production
Now, who you dare say, it's just peanuts?, he must be a multimillionaire/billionair
Peanut is not sexy, it's indeed a simple produce, but its impact is intrinsic globally. Unfortunately, the ignorant world continues its oversight of peanuts, so the industry is under invested and underdeveloped Godspeed peanuts.
Lip balm can be made with peanut oil as the base ingredient.
Peanut oil's moisturising properties make it a popular ingredient in skincare products. When combined with beeswax, essential oils, and nourishing additives, it creates a hydrating and protective lip balm. This oil contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that nourishes the skin and shields the lips from free radicals. Due to its light consistency, peanut oil is easily absorbed by the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. This makes it an excellent base ingredient for lip balm and a suitable alternative to traditional lipstick.
Global Peanut Market
The new crop season began in
India with Spanish peanuts
harvested across Western and
Central parts of India.
Gujarat: The new crop arrivals
have started in good volumes
with a good crop. This year, the
crop size in Jamnagar and
Dwaraka districts was too
modest. Sowing for the winter
crop, 2023 has also begun in a
few regions; we expect an
increase in the acreage. Summer
crop Gujarat should provide us
with a good flow.
Maharastra harvest has also begun; it is sold mainly in Gujarat however, the crop is only 40-50%. Export of new will begin mid June.
The Southern Spanish crops from Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are nearing the end of the season; supplies could last until the end of July. There are few regions producing TAG varieties of Java which will supply for 1 -2months. The local demand in the South is excellent; therefore, there could be tough competition between the export and domestic market.
The next three months will run on Spanish supplies; with a lowquality new crop coming from UP, we expect the price in India could decline.
The market activity reduced
with a 2% decrease in consumption and a 3% decrease in
exports. However, prices rose,
which pleased farmers and
processors. PLC (Price Loss
Coverage) is making farmers
unhappy, and because open
market prices have risen, farmers have expressed a strong
interest in contracting with shellers
Peanut plantation is predicted
to grow by more than 7% in the
coming crop year. As a result,
peanuts will be an excellent
alternative for farmers as cotton
prices continue to fall. Exports
were led by Mexico (-3%),
Canada (+5%), China (-17%),
Japan (-2%) and the Netherlands
(+1%).
Peanut harvesting is in full
swing, and farmers are preserving high quality crops for
export, putting a significant
strain on supplies. Furthermore,
impacts are visible on the European side, as everyone anticipated an increase. According to
the Argentine Peanut Chamber,
there is a 30% year-on-year loss.
The total crop output is expected to be 687,236 tonnes on a
kernel basis. Because of the
interest demonstrated by European purchasers following the
spread of the 2023 crop scarcity,
the carry over stock volume is
49% lower than in the same
period in 2022 (carry-over stock:
2021 crop: 62259 tonnes, 2022
crop: 32018tonnes).
The raw 38/42 peanut sells for
$1900, and the blanched has
crossed the $2100 threshold. It is
a record level in Argentina, and
it is projected that most cargo
will shift to European exports,
with few oil shipments.
Harvest completed with less damage than expected. However, European ports have identified pesticide residues, endangering the EU market's prospects. As a result, farmers kept the shells at the farm gate, charging an outrageous $1500+per MT for shells. Nonetheless, shipment parity is only accessible in Russia, Brazil's chosen destination for peanuts.
Shipment volume grew 30%
from March to April (2023 vs.2022). However, interest in crude
peanut shipments has dwindled
as kernel demand rose and
China's oil prices fluctuated.
Prices in Brazil have increased
to $1800+ CIF levels, matching
those in Argentina.
The Chinese market is abysmal. Most participants in the market feel the pain of the market going nowhere but slowly down. Several crushing factories are shut for summer. The CNY appreciation does not bode well for imports too. It could be said that most players are treading water. Expect the Chinese market to go nowhere in June but stay subdued. However, the food grade big size kernels are on solid levels amid a shortage.
Sudan
The Sudanese civil war has lasted more than six weeks. We all assumed it would last a few days before things returned to normal. Many people relocated to neighbouring nations. The market is still closed. Some individuals with peanuts in Port Sudan are conducting deals and filling pending orders. However, Khartoum is completely closed.
Tanzania
Peanut fields suffered minor post harvest damage, and shippers are waiting for the rain to recede before commencing the shipments. CIF pricing range between $1100-1150.
Mozambique
The crop is average, but arrivals are relatively slow. As a result, many exporters believe this will be a short crop running out in two months. However, stocks are at the highest level leading to an initial price surge. The harvest opened with $1100 before touching an interim high of 1190 and back to $1100-1075 FOB levels.
Editor’s Pick
Mr. Witu.
Well-known in the South-East-Asian peanut market, Mr Witu contributed to developing several peanut shippers in the peanut industry. He is known for his sharp negotiation skills and for predicting market trends. He would spend hours negotiating a contract over a call and be patient enough not to let go. His demise is a significant loss for young peanut entrepreneurs in Asia. RIP Mr. Witu.
Cultivar Highlights
Discovered the unidentified "The Roba" native peanut variety from Ethiopia.
The potential of the indigenous peanut variety Roba from Ethiopia as a novel variety has not before been investigated, nor have compositional details regarding its dietary, physical, or functional characteristics been documented. As a result, the current study used up-to-date methods and techniques to assess the physicochemical characteristics and functional features of the variety.Researchers aiming to improve the quality of peanuts grown worldwide,including those in Ethiopia, used the knowledge thus produced.
The late discovered splendour of Ethiopian peanut variety.The mean value for the Ethiopian peanut variety (Roba) analyzed were, oil: 53.73%, O/L ratio: 1.335, saturated fatty
... The late discovered splendour of Ethiopian peanut variety ...
acid: 77.41%, unsaturated fatty acid: 22.05%, peroxide value: 1.56, iodine value: 89.23, Saponification value:182.37, Refractive index: 1.45, density: 0.91, dynamic viscosity: 55.72mPa.s, flashpoint: 230.0, fire point: 245,total polyphenols: 200.23, and hardness: 109.90N. This indicates the peanut with high oil content, high antioxidant capacity, with the desired composition of fatty acids and vitamin E were identified which would be useful for the industrial purpose to develop nutritional superior peanut products
Source: Gebremedhin G et al., Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Ethiopian (Roba Variety)Peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) for Industrial Use.
Peanut Innovation
Peanut shell as an advanced anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Agricultural waste like peanut shells is widely available, and turning them into carbon for battery applications provides value to an otherwise wasted resource. The powdered peanut shell was collected, cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner with distilled water and alcohol, and dried. Ferric nitrate and powdered peanut shell are both used in the hydrothermal process. There is a carbonization technique used on the particles of crushed peanut shell. Following the addition of ferric oxide, they underwent washing, freeze-drying, and heat treatment. It will then develop excellent performance and efficiency. The fabrication of the hybrid material can be done sustainably and economically by using carbon extracted from peanut shells. Fe2O3/carbon from peanut shell hybrids are a desirable option for green energy storage systems due to their environmentally beneficial nature. Comparable to conventional carbon-based anode materials, Fe2O3 has a substantially larger potential lithium storage capacity. Pure Fe2O3, however, requires more considerable volume expansion during the insertion and extraction of lithium as well as improved cycling stability. These problems can be reduced by adding carbon from peanut shells because it creates a conductive matrix, dampens volume variations, and increases lithium storage capacity.
Current Crops
Peanut Sustainability
Groundnut cultivation by paired row planting and furrow irrigation method
Paired-row planting and furrow irrigation are agricultural practices that can positively impact the growth and productivity of groundnut crops. These practices can increase light interception, pod yield, and water use efficiency. Paired-row planting involves planting two or more rows of crops in close proximity, with a wider gap between each pair of rows. This planting arrangement increases the density of plants per unit area, resulting in improved light interception. By maximizing light interception, paired-row planting enhances photosynthesis, leading to increased biomass production and ultimately a higher pod yield. The closer spacing between the paired rows provides shade for the soil, reducing evaporation and weed competition. This helps conserve soil moisture, which is particularly beneficial in areas with limited water availability. The increased plant density can create a microclimate that reduces wind speed and evapotranspiration rates, further improving water use efficiency. Furrow irrigation involves the application of water through shallow channels, or furrows, created between crop rows. This irrigation method provides water directly to the root zone of the plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation and ensuring efficient water use. Furrow irrigation helps groundnut crops by maintaining optimal soil moisture levels. Adequate soil moisture promotes healthy plant growth, enabling better light interception and photosynthesis. The availability of water during critical growth stages, such as flowering and pod development, is crucial for achieving higher pod yields. Furrow irrigation can facilitate nutrient uptake by the plant roots as it allows the nutrients to move with the water along the furrows. This enhances the nutrient availability for the groundnut plants, supporting their growth and productivity. Combined Effects When paired-row planting is combined with furrow irrigation, the benefits are amplified. The increased plant density and efficient water delivery through furrow irrigation enable groundnut crops to capture more sunlight, utilize water more effectively, and produce higher pod yields. Moreover, improved light interception and water use efficiency contribute to sustainable farming practice by optimizing resource utilization. The adoption of pairedrow planting and furrow irrigation in groundnut cultivation promotes sustainable practice by conserving water, optimizing resource use, reducing environmental impact, improving economic returns, and enhancing climate resilience. These practices contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of groundnut farming systems.
...The increased plant density can create a microclimate that reduces wind speed and ...
Good Agricultural Practices
Peanut farming nutritional needs and growth requirement
Groundnuts are adapted to soil with a pH of 5.3 or higher, if the pH is higher than 3,5 to 8.0, certain elements become unavailable eg. Iron and Zinc. Growth requirements and nutrition are Substantial evidence exists to shows that groundnuts respond to additional fertilizer applications. Being a leguminous crop, groundnuts can fix atmospheric Nitrogen with the aid of root bacteria. Root nodules which fix nitrogen effectively have a pink coloured appearance when dissected. Groundnuts with effective root bacteria do not need additional nitrogen. In rural fields, however, the level of P is usually low and it should be applied. Like other crops, groundnuts require sufficient levels of potassium for normal growth and development. An over application of potassium in the soil can induce a calcium deficiency, which is reflected in a lower yield and quality. In situations where the soil potassium level is low, additional potassium can be applied. Calcium is very important for seed development. Groundnuts are particularly susceptible to a calcium deficiency in the soil. Where a crop is grown on calcium deficient soils, the producer will have a direct seed loss as well as indirect damage to the seed which is not always visible. Seed produced under such conditions is not suitable for planting. Seedlings are often misshapen with a low vigour and mostly the heart or embryonic axis is damaged to such an extent that no germination takes place. Boron deficiency symptoms occur in very sandy soils and can affect quality. Molybdenum can also be applied to the plant row 10-14 days post emergence.