State’s first processing unit to boost groundnut cultivation in Kandi region

Groundnut cultivation in Punjab’s Kandi region is set to receive a boost with the establishment of the state’s first groundnut processing unit. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain handed over a cheque for Rs 7.50 lakh to Citrus Estate, Bhunga, to help set up the state-of-the-art facility aimed at supporting groundnut growers in the region.

While presenting the cheque to Jaspal Singh Dheri, Chairman of Citrus Estate and committee member Paramjit Singh Kaluwahar, Jain emphasised the government’s commitment to promoting crop diversification. She noted the processing unit would address the technical, marketing and input needs of groundnut farmers while ensuring a fair price for their produce. The Deputy Commissioner said the district administration had engaged the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology to conduct research on groundnut conservation, which would be beneficial to local growers.

Dheri and Kaluwahar said the processing plant would offer growers access to high-quality seeds, technical support and inputs to help cultivate the best groundnuts in the region’s sandy soil. They highlighted the facility would not only enhance income by assisting with large-scale marketing but also provide a direct outlet for selling produce, including roasted and coated groundnuts, fruits and vegetables.

Dr Arbind Dhoot pointed out the initiative would help expand the groundnut-growing area, which has decreased from 8,000 acres a decade ago to just 3,000 acres today. He noted the Kandi region offers ideal conditions — good soil health, ecology, and low water consumption — making it an excellent environment for growing groundnuts. The crop’s short growing season of 120-130 days also means farmers could potentially harvest twice a year. Progressive farmers Capt Harteg Singh and Harwinder Singh were also present at the event.