Which Crop is known as the King of Oilseeds?

Oilseeds are very important crops grown in many parts of the world. They provide edible oils used in cooking, food products, and even industries. These crops also support farmers’ incomes and play a key role in nutrition and agriculture. Among all oilseeds, one crop is considered the most important because of its high oil content, widespread cultivation, and many uses in daily life and industry.

Which Crop is known as the King of Oilseeds?

Groundnut, also known as peanut, is called the King of Oilseeds because it is one of the most widely grown and highly valued oilseed crops in the world. It plays a big role in food production, edible oil supply, farmer income, exports and the agricultural economy of many countries, especially India. Groundnut is useful for oil making, snacks, sweets, feed and many processed foods.

Why is Groundnut called the King of Oilseeds?

Groundnut has earned this title because:

• It contains 40–50% oil, which is higher than many other oilseed crops.
• It is grown on a large scale in several countries.
• It has huge demand in local and global markets.
• It supports farmers, traders, oil mills and industries.

Groundnut is not only a source of edible oil but also an important food crop rich in protein, vitamins and energy, making it valuable for both nutrition and business.

Largest Groundnut Producing State in India

Gujarat is the biggest producer of groundnut in India. The state has:

• Suitable warm climate
• Good irrigation facilities
• Fertile soil
• Large farmlands

Other important groundnut-growing states include:

• Rajasthan
• Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Maharashtra

Together, these states supply most of the groundnut consumed and processed in India.

Major Groundnut Exporting Countries

India is one of the major exporters of groundnut. Indian peanuts are supplied to markets in:

• Asia
• Europe
• Middle East

Groundnut exports help farmers earn better income and also support the food-processing industry and foreign trade.

Economic Importance of Groundnut

Groundnut is important because it is used in:

• edible oil
• snacks and sweets
• bakery items
• peanut butter
• animal feed
• confectionery

It also provides employment to millions of farmers and workers in oil mills and processing units. This makes groundnut a key crop in agriculture and industry.

Interesting Facts About Groundnut

• High Oil Content: Groundnut seeds contain 40–50% edible oil, which is used for cooking and frying.
• Dual-Purpose Crop: It is both a food crop and oilseed crop, making it very useful.
• Supports Export & Processing: Groundnut is a key raw material for oil mills and food companies.
• Improves Soil Fertility: Being a legume crop, it fixes nitrogen in the soil and helps improve soil quality.

Environmental & Farming Benefits

Groundnut is good for farmers because:

• It grows well in dry areas
• Needs less water than many crops
• Improves soil health
• Reduces fertiliser needs

This makes it helpful for sustainable farming.