Peanut is mostly produced in South Africa’s western areas, with 40% produced in the western and northwestern Free State, 29% in the North West, and 24% in the Northern Cape. Groundnuts (or peanuts) are farmed largely in South Africa’s summer rainfall zones, primarily in the Northern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, and North West.
The majority of plantings in the Free State and North West are dryland, whilst those in the Northern Cape and Limpopo are irrigated. Farmers in the Free State have reduced production significantly because soybean is less labor intensive and poses fewer climate-related dangers.
Groundnuts (peanuts), like maize and cassava, were brought to South Africa by Portuguese seamen. According to an Afrikaans document of the old Oilseed Regulatory Board, production was first recorded in KwaZulu-Natal in 1843. (Historiese Oorsig van die Oliesadebedryf in Suid-Afrika).
Soon after, production in Transvaal took off, with the first trading records being made in Northern Transvaal in 1905.
Peanut Production in the SA
South African peanut production has fluctuated widely over the last two decades, but has usually dropped, with the introduction of new cultivars not compensating for the loss in producing area. Droughts in important production areas aggravated the situation in the five years leading up to 2020.
According to Adri Botha, chairperson of the SA Groundnut Forum, much is being done to encourage production again, as groundnuts (peanuts) provide significant returns and form a great rotational crop, particularly in maize rotations, due to their capacity to fix nitrogen.
New technology has also considerably decreased production risks by allowing farmers to supply the nuts in bulk at an earlier stage, whereas formerly the nuts had to be left on the land for up to two weeks to dry before being transported in bags.
Improved mechanical harvesters are also driving down labor costs dramatically. Aside from that, numerous efforts are made to encourage domestic industry and safeguard it from cheap imports.
Is it profitable to grow peanuts in South Africa?
South African growers can earn a handsome premium from locally grown groundnuts because of their shape and taste on the export market. Approximately 25% of South Africa’s harvest is exported on average.
How much does a kilogram of peanuts cost in South Africa?
Wholesale peanut (groundnut) prices in South Africa. South Africa Peanut (Groundnuts) is expected to cost between US$ 0.02 and US$ 0.01 per kilogram or between US$ 0.01 and US$ 0 per pound in 2022. (lb). ZAR 0.22 per kg is the price in Rand.
How many peanuts can one plant produce?
Each plant yields between 25 and 50 pounds of peanuts. Mature plants can grow up to 36 inches in diameter and 18 inches tall. The peanut plant has a two-month fruiting phase.
Is it simple to grow peanuts?
Peanuts are a resilient plant that may be grown in a pot on a deck, patio, windowsill, or countertop. A single peanut plant can easily yield a bumper crop of 30-40 tasty nuts. Peanuts have a 130-160-day growing season, which is why they are frequently considered a Southern crop.
