Top 5 Highest Groundnut Producing States in India

Groundnuts are a significant oilseed crop in India. They play a vital role in the country’s agricultural economy. Groundnuts serve as an important source of edible oil, protein, and fodder. India’s diverse agro-climate and fertile soil conditions make it suitable for groundnut cultivation. It can be grown particularly in regions with well-drained sandy loam soil. In 2025, the top five groundnut-producing states continue to contribute substantially to India’s agricultural output.

1. Gujarat

Gujarat stands as the leading groundnut-producing state in India, thanks to its favorable climate, soil conditions, and advanced farming techniques. The state has a long tradition of groundnut cultivation, with a focus on both the Kharif and Rabi seasons. Saurashtra, Kutch, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and Jamnagar districts are high producers of groundnuts in the state. Gujarat accounts for nearly 40% of India’s total groundnut production. The state’s climatic conditions, characterized by warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, are ideal for groundnut farming. Advanced farming techniques, irrigation facilities, and high-yielding seed varieties contribute to the state’s high productivity. Additionally, Gujarat’s groundnuts are a major export commodity, contributing to the state’s revenue.

2. Rajasthan

Rajasthan has emerged as a major groundnut-producing state in India. Rajasthan with its arid and semi-arid regions is suitable for groundnut cultivation. The state’s farming community has increasingly adopted groundnut as a cash crop due to its drought-resistant properties. The major groundnut-producing regions of Rajasthan are Jodhpur, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, and Nagaur districts. Rajasthan produces around 1.5-2 million tons of groundnuts annually, accounting for approximately 20-25% of the country’s total production. Despite its challenging agro-climatic conditions, Rajasthan has made significant strides in improving groundnut yields through the adoption of improved farming practices and irrigation techniques.

3. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is one of the largest groundnut producers in southern India, with a long history of groundnut cultivation. The state’s diverse agro-climatic zones and extensive irrigation support high groundnut yields. The state’s groundnut production is focused mainly in Anantapur, Kurnool, Chittoor, and Kadapa districts. Andhra Pradesh produces around 1-1.5 million tons of groundnuts annually, contributing approximately 15-20% to India’s total output. Anantapur district, in particular, is known as one of the largest groundnut-producing areas in the country. Groundnut farming in the state is a significant source of income for small and marginal farmers. The production of the crop supports various agro-based industries, including oil extraction, confectionery, and animal feed production.

4. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a key groundnut-producing state, known for its well-established agricultural practices and efficient use of irrigation. The state’s diverse climatic zones allow for groundnut cultivation throughout the year. Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, and Tiruvannamalai districts are known for groundnut production. Tamil Nadu produces around 800,000 to 1 million tons of groundnuts annually. The state’s groundnut cultivation is spread across both rainfed and irrigated areas. The state is focusing on improving yields through the use of high-quality seeds, efficient water management, and integrated pest management practices

5. Karnataka

Karnataka is a prominent groundnut-producing state in India. The state’s focus on rainfed agriculture and soil conservation practices has helped boost groundnut production. Tumkur, Chitradurga, Davanagere, and Bellary districts produce groundnuts in large quantities. Karnataka produces around 700,000 to 900,000 tons of groundnuts annually. The state’s groundnut cultivation primarily takes place during the Kharif season. Karnataka has been proactive in promoting groundnut cultivation through agricultural extension services, improved seed varieties, and soil fertility management practices. Groundnut farming in Karnataka plays a significant role in the rural economy, providing income and livelihood to farmers, particularly in dryland areas. The state’s groundnut processing industry, including oil mills and food processing units, contributes to economic growth and employment generation.

Conclusion

Groundnut production in India is concentrated in these top five states—Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—each contributing significantly to the country’s total output. Indian groundnuts are available in different varieties like Bold, Java and Red Natal. The groundnut industry plays a crucial role in the agricultural economies of these states, providing livelihoods to millions of farmers. It also supports allied industries such as oil extraction, food processing, and livestock farming. As India continues to focus on sustainable agriculture, these states are expected to maintain their dominant position in groundnut production.