Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management of Groundnut: How to Maintain Crop Quality? 

Harvesting and Post-Harvest: Even after a good yield, if there is negligence in harvesting and subsequent care i.e. post-harvest management, the quality of the crop may deteriorate and its market value can decrease. In this article, we will understand in detail how timely harvesting, drying methods, and safe storage techniques of groundnut help in maintaining its quality.

Right Time of Harvest: The First Foundation of Quality

Why is timely harvesting important? 

If the groundnut crop is harvested too early, the grains have less oil content, are not fully mature, and spoil quickly in storage. On the other hand, if harvesting is delayed, there is a risk of fungal attack in the pods, and the roots of the plants become weak, causing damage during uprooting.

How to identify the appropriate time for harvest?

The crop duration is generally 100 to 120 days (depends on the variety).

When the plant leaves start turning yellow and fall off, it is a sign that the crop is ready.

Dig out 5–6 pods from the soil:

If more than 70% of the pods are brown and the inner grains are firm,

• And the grain color is light pink or brown depending on the variety,

• Then it’s the right time for harvest.

Harvesting Method: Caution and Skill Both Are Necessary

Groundnut harvesting is done in two ways:

Manual uprooting: Suitable for small fields and when the soil is soft after rain.

Tractor-operated digger or harvester machines: Fast and labor-saving method for large farms.

Precautions during harvesting:

Harvest in dry soil so that pods do not remain buried.

After uprooting the plants, invert them and leave them in the field for 2–3 days to dry.

• During this time, ensure that it does not rain. If there is a chance of rain, cover the plants. 

Drying Groundnuts: Removing Moisture, Preserving Quality

What is the purpose of drying?

• Immediately after harvesting, pods contain 40–50% moisture.

Before sending to the market or storing, this should be reduced to 8–10%.

• High moisture increases the risk of fungus, pests, and aflatoxin, a poisonous compound harmful to human health.

Drying methods:

(a) Drying in the field:

• Invert the plants and spread them in sunlight for 2–3 days.

Flip them 2–3 times a day for even drying.

• Be careful not to over-dry in strong sunlight which can harden or crack the grains.

(b) Drying after threshing:

• If you are shelling the pods, dry the kernels (grains) in the sun for 2–3 days.

• Use a tarpaulin or plastic sheet to avoid dirt.

Keep turning the grains frequently.

(c) Mechanical drying:

• If it is the rainy season or crop quantity is large, use solar dryers or electric dryers.

• Keep temperature below 40–45°C to avoid damaging grain structure and oil quality.

Proper Storage Techniques: Protection from Pests and Moisture

What to do before storage?

Ensure proper drying: grain moisture should not exceed 8–10%.

• Cleaning: Clean the storage area, sprinkle lime or insecticide.

• Use pest-free sacks or drums.

Storage options 

(a) Storage in sacks:

• Use jute or HDPE sacks.

Place sacks on wooden pallets to avoid moisture from the floor.

• Do not stack sacks too high (no more than 4–5).

(b) Drums or airtight containers:

• For long-term storage of kernels after shelling, use airtight drums or plastic containers.

These prevent entry of moisture and insects.

(c) Vacuum packing in PP bags:

• If you have the facility, vacuum packing in PP bags can extend shelf life beyond 6 months.

How to Avoid Aflatoxin?

What is aflatoxin?

• A toxic fungus (fungal toxin) that develops in groundnut due to high moisture.

• It blocks groundnut export and is harmful to humans and animals.

Preventive measures:

• Dry the crop immediately after harvest.

Before storage, check for moisture and fungus.

• Remove black, discolored, or soft kernels.

Grading Groundnut: Better Quality, Better Price

How to grade?

• Large, uniform-sized, unbroken and clean kernels fetch a better price.

Grading can be done by machine or manually.

Benefits of grading:

Better price in market or mandi.

Suitable for export-quality groundnut.

• Farmers can sell by branded packaging.

Marketing and Value Addition 

• Through packaging and branding, farmers can sell groundnut kernels, roasted peanuts, or peanut oil in the local market.

By joining FPOs or cooperative societies, farmers can do business on a larger scale.

• Under government schemes like PM-FME or Agri Infra Fund, value addition units can be established.

Some Tips and Precautions 

Post-harvest management of groundnut requires not just hard work, but smart planning. By harvesting on time, drying correctly, and using safe storage techniques, farmers can maintain the quality of their crop and get better prices in the market. In changing times, understanding market demand, export standards, and consumer safety is essential. Adopting scientific methods in farming is the real strength of today’s farmer.