DavidGroundnuts are a popular crop in Ghana due to its wide range of uses. Groundnuts are used for cooking oil, peanut butter, and roasted snacks. Growing groundnuts in Ghana can be rewarding and relatively easy.
The overview of how to grow groundnuts in Ghana, includes choosing a suitable planting site, land preparation, acquiring and preparing groundnut seedlings, planting, and all the way to harvesting.
By following these steps, you will find out that growing groundnut is not rocket science and it is something you can do with little or no supervision, and you can maximize your yields and enjoy a bountiful harvest of groundnuts.
How To Grow Groundnut in Ghana
Groundnuts, are a nutritious and delicious snack that can also be used in a variety of other dishes. Growing your own groundnuts can be a rewarding experience and a great way to ensure they are pesticide-free. This guide provides an overview of the steps needed to successfully grow groundnuts in Ghana.
Step 1. Choose A Suitable Planting Site
For successful groundnut production in Ghana, choose a location that meets the climatic and soil requirement needed to grow groundnut. The location should have well-drained, sandy-loam soil with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5.
Also, the planting site for groundnut should have a temperature of 15-30°C. The site should be in an area with plenty of sunlight for the groundnut plants to thrive, a minimum of 6 hours of sun daily.
Furthermore, the site should have a reliable source of water for irrigation. Accessibility to roads and proximity to markets is also important for transportation and sales of the groundnut crop.
Step 2. Prepare The Land
Remove unwanted plants from the land using manual or mechanical methods. Hand weeding, cutting, and digging can be used to remove unwanted plants. Remove debris from the land using manual or mechanical methods.
Till and plow the land using a tiller or plow to break up the soil and mix it with compost and manure. This will help to create a more nutrient-rich soil that is better suited for growing plants.
Then, incorporate compost and manure into the soil. This will help to provide nutrients for the plants and improve the soil structure.
Level the land so that water can drain properly and there is adequate space for plants to grow. Prepare the farm beds by breaking up the soil and adding compost and manure. This will help to create a more nutrient-rich soil that is better suited for growing plants.
Step 3: Acquire and Prepare Groundnut Seedlings
Purchase quality groundnut seedlings from a reputable seed dealer. Once you have acquired the seedlings, inspect them for any signs of poor health, such as wilting or discoloration.
Step 4. Plant The Seeds
After you are done preparing the farm bed and have applied appropriate manure and fertilizer to the farm bed, make furrows in the farm bed, at a spacing of 4-5 cm. Then, plant the groundnut seeds in the furrows, at a spacing of 2-3 cm. Cover the seeds with soil and press lightly. Water the farm bed lightly.
Step 5. Water The Plants
The groundnut plants should be watered at least once every three to four days. The frequency and amount of water should be adjusted depending on the soil type and weather conditions. When watering, the soil should be thoroughly moistened until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. It is important to ensure the soil is not overly saturated, as this could lead to root rot.
Step 6. Mulching
Mulching is an important practice for growing groundnuts. It helps to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, reduce soil compaction, improve soil fertility, and protect the groundnuts from extreme temperatures.
Mulches should be applied at least 2-3 weeks after planting and should be kept in place until harvest. Organic mulches such as straw, hay, grass clippings, and wood chips can be used for groundnuts. Inorganic mulches such as plastic can also be used.
Step 7. Weed The Groundnut Farm
Weeding is an important part of managing a groundnut farm. Weeds can compete with groundnut plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight, so regular weeding is essential for a successful, high-yielding crop.
Hand-weeding is the most common and effective method for controlling weeds in a groundnut field. It is important to weed early before the weeds become established and reproduce. Weed control should be done at least twice during the growing season when the weeds are small and just beginning to emerge.
Step 8. Fertilize The Groundnuts
Fertilizing groundnuts is an important part of keeping plants healthy and productive. The best time to apply fertilizer is when the plants are about 8 inches tall.
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 is recommended. Make sure to follow all instructions on the fertilizer bag to avoid over or under-fertilizing the plants. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plants in a circle about 6 inches from the stem. You should thoroughly water the plant after the fertilizer has been applied.
Step 9. Harvest The Groundnuts
Harvesting groundnuts is a relatively simple process. When the plants have matured and the leaves start to turn yellow, the groundnuts are ready for harvest. Generally, groundnuts are harvested when the pods are still green and before the shells have hardened.
To harvest, use a spade or digging fork to loosen the soil around the groundnut plants. Carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the roots intact. Once the plant is out of the ground, shake off the soil, and then lay the plant out in the sun to dry.
Step 10. Store the groundnuts
Spread the groundnuts in a single layer on a screen or wire mesh to dry in the sun. Ensure that the groundnuts are dried and stored in a cool, dry place.
Variety of such Groundnuts in Ghana
There are several varieties of groundnuts that are commonly grown in Ghana, including:
- Spanish or Valencia groundnut
- Virginia groundnut
- Runner groundnut
- Bold or Java groundnut
Each of these varieties has its own unique characteristics and suitability for specific growing conditions.
How much is Groundnuts sold in Ghana
The price of groundnuts in Ghana varies depending on several factors, such as the location, season, and supply and demand.
On average, a kilogram of groundnuts is sold for about GHC 7 to GHC 10 in the market.
Best Agronomic Practices to engage in growing Groundnuts in Ghana
To achieve optimal yields and quality of groundnuts, the following agronomic practices are recommended:
- Soil preparation: Clear the land of weeds and debris, then plow or hoe the soil to a depth of about 20cm. Apply organic manure or compost to the soil to improve its fertility.
- Planting: Plant the groundnuts during the rainy season, preferably in May or June, when the soil has enough moisture. Plant the seeds in rows with a spacing of about 30cm between rows and 10cm between seeds. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
- Weed control: Weed the groundnuts regularly to reduce competition for nutrients, light, and water. Hand-weeding is recommended, especially during the first few weeks after planting when the groundnuts are still young and vulnerable.
- Fertilization: Apply appropriate fertilizers to the groundnuts to enhance their growth and development. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers are the most commonly used.
- Irrigation: Provide adequate water to the groundnuts, especially during the dry season, to ensure proper growth and development.
- Disease and pest control: Monitor the groundnuts for diseases and pests, and take appropriate measures to control them. Crop rotation, using disease-resistant varieties, and proper sanitation are some of the control measures.
Projected profit of Groundnuts in Ghana
The projected profit from groundnut cultivation in Ghana depends on several factors, such as the size of the farm, the yield per hectare, and the prevailing market prices.
However, groundnut cultivation can be a profitable venture, with yields ranging from 1.5 to 2 tons per hectare and selling prices ranging from GHC 7 to GHC 10 per kilogram.
Common diseases and pests of Groundnuts
Some of the common diseases and pests of groundnuts in Ghana include:
- Leafspot disease: This disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by circular spots on the leaves. Control measures include crop rotation, using disease-resistant varieties, and applying fungicides.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing stunting and distortion. Control measures include the use of insecticides, natural enemies, and cultural practices such as intercropping.
- Groundnut rosette disease: This disease is caused by a virus and is characterized by stunting, leaf yellowing, and rosette-like growth of the leaves. Control measures include using disease-resistant varieties and controlling the aphid vectors that transmit the virus.
- Termites: These are soil insects that feed on the groundnut seeds, causing poor germination and seedling emergence. Control measures include the use of insecticides, physical barriers, and cultural practices such as intercropping.
Different propagation methods of Groundnuts
Groundnuts can be propagated through two main methods:
- Seed propagation: This involves planting the groundnut seeds directly in the soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 5 to 8cm, depending on the soil type and moisture level. The seeds should be spaced at a distance of about 10cm apart in rows, with a spacing of about 30cm between rows. Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating groundnuts.
- Vegetative propagation: This involves using stem cuttings or runners to propagate groundnuts. This method is not commonly used, but it can be useful for producing planting material from selected high-yielding varieties. The stem cuttings or runners should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants, and they should be planted in well-prepared soil at a depth of about 5cm. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have established roots.
Groundnut Planting Season In Ghana
Groundnut planting season in Ghana typically runs from April to June. Farmers typically prepare the land by plowing, harrowing, and ridging. They then broadcast the seeds or plant them in rows. Irrigation is often used if there is not sufficient rainfall.
Price Of A Bag Of Groundnut In Ghana
A bag of groundnuts in Ghana costs approximately $2.50.
Groundnut Farming In Ghana Pdf
Groundnut farming is an important economic activity in Ghana, accounting for about one-third of the country’s agricultural gross domestic product (GDP). Groundnuts are grown in all regions of the country, with production concentrated in the savannah and forest zones. The main production areas are located in the northern, central, and eastern parts of the country.
Groundnut production in Ghana is composed of both small-scale and large-scale farmers. Groundnuts are grown mainly for their edible kernels, which contain high levels of proteins and other nutrients.
Groundnut farming also provides a livelihood to millions of people in Ghana, as well as other countries in West Africa. Groundnut farming is generally labour intensive, requiring manual labour for planting, weeding, harvesting, threshing, and drying.
Groundnut farming in Ghana is an important source of income and food security for millions of people. As such, groundnut farming is an important area of focus for the government and other stakeholders in the country.
Varieties Of Groundnut In Ghana
Groundnut varieties grown in Ghana include the Improved Virginia, Tainan-4, and Tainan-7. Improved Virginia is well suited for roasting, has a high oil content, and is resistant to drought. Tainan-4 is a medium-maturing variety with excellent resistance to diseases and pests. Tainan-7 is a high-yielding variety with good resistance to diseases and pests.
Groundnut Yield Per Acre In Ghana
Groundnut yields in Ghana vary greatly, depending on variety, soil conditions, and weather. Average yields range from 700-1,200 kg/ha, with some farmers achieving up to 2,000 kg/ha. Improved varieties and better management practices can improve yields further.
10 Varieties Of Groundnut
Checkout below 10 groundnut varieties that you can plant on your farm.
- Valencia: small, sweet, and crunchy.
- Spanish: large, crunchy, and mild.
- Runner: small and crunchy.
- Virginia: large, crunchy, and sweet.
- Tennessee Red: large and crunchy.
- Java: small, sweet, and mild.
- Chinese: small and mild.
- Jumbo: large and sweet.
- Pinto: small, with reddish-brown stripes.
- Tennessee White: small and mild.
Groundnut Production Guide
Groundnut production requires proper soil preparation, seed selection, planting, fertilization, irrigation, weed control, and harvesting. Pest and disease management should be practiced to ensure high yields. Proper post-harvest handling and storage is also essential to protect the quality of the harvested nuts.
Groundnut Articles
Groundnuts are a popular snack and ingredient in many dishes. They are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy and nutritious snack. Groundnuts can be roasted, boiled, or eaten raw. They can also be used in recipes such as curries, salads, and sandwiches. Groundnuts are a great source of energy and contain healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Conclusion
Growing groundnuts in Ghana is what almost anyone can do either as a beginner or an expert. The process involved in groundnut growing has been extensively discussed in this guide. The aim is to help you start a successful groundnut production business.
