The Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) is actively promoting spring groundnut as a sustainable and water-efficient alternative to spring or summer maize, holding awareness camps and field visits across Punjab to educate farmers about its environmental and economic benefits.
Field Day at Mehlan Village
In a recent initiative, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Sangrur, in collaboration with the Oilseed Section of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at PAU Ludhiana, organized a field day at the farm of progressive farmers Beant Singh and Kewal Singh in Mehlan village, Sunam block. The event showcased the successful demonstration of the spring groundnut variety J-87, highlighting its advantages over traditional spring maize.
Benefits of Spring Groundnut
Dr Mandeep Singh, Incharge of PAU-KVK Sangrur, explained that the field day aimed to create awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of spring groundnut cultivation. "Spring groundnut requires significantly less water and lesser inputs, reducing cultivation costs. Being a leguminous crop, it also enhances soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation," he said. The host farmers reported that after a successful one-acre trial in spring 2025, they expanded the area to four acres in 2026, noting that the cost of cultivating groundnut is 40-50 per cent lower than that of spring maize.
Technical Insights and Yield Potential
During a technical session, Dr Gurpreet Singh, Extension Specialist (Oilseeds), discussed recommended varieties and improved production practices. He stated that the J-87 variety has a yield potential of 15.8 quintals per acre during the spring season, compared with an average yield of 12.8 quintals per acre during the kharif season. Dr KK Sharma, Oilseed Pathologist, provided guidance on disease management in groundnut cultivation.
Groundwater Conservation and Government Schemes
Block Agriculture Officer Sunam, Dr Inderjit Singh Bhatti, stressed the importance of groundwater conservation and urged farmers to adopt less water-intensive crops like groundnut. He also informed farmers about Punjab government subsidy schemes for Direct Seeded Rice and kharif maize, advising them to register for a Kisan ID to access subsidized inputs and other benefits. The experts and farmers jointly inspected the demonstration plot and discussed machinery availability and marketing channels needed to scale up groundnut cultivation.
