Even while predicting a marginal increase in the prices of groundnut kernel, farm varsity sources have cautioned farmers against holding the stock upon harvest.
“There will be a marginal increase in the prices of groundnut kernel during the next two months. But that will only meet the interest cost and dryage loss. Hence, farmers are recommended to sell the groundnut upon harvest,’’ experts at the Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (DEMIC), functioning at the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies at TNAU, said.
The experts also said that this recommendation is applicable only to the crop that was being harvested currently in Thiruvannamalai, Thirukovilur and Tindivanam regions.
According to DEMIC experts, farmers can expect the price of a quintal of groundnut (for oil purpose) to range between Rs 5,800 and Rs 6,150 till end May at the regulated market in Tindivanam, and at a slightly higher rate of Rs 6,000 and Rs 6,200 a quintal for confectionery purpose.
Thaipattam is one of the major sowing seasons for groundnut in Tamil Nadu. The crop is being harvested now.
The Thaipattam groundnut kernels are mostly preferred by traders for its dryness and quality. About 60 per cent of the kernels are used for extraction of oil and the rest for confectionery purpose.