Groundnut

NIGERIA GROUNDNUT FACTS

 Production

• Nigeria’s groundnut since 1912
• 3^rd largest in the World with 10% of global production.
• Number 1 producer in Africa with 39% total Production
• 19 Producing States.
• Smallholders and commercial farmers.
• Yields 1.37 tons/ha.
• Improving quality
• Improved varieties
• Planting period is January- February and May – July

Trends

• A lot of government emphasis on improved production
• Growth forecast to continue.
• Improved varieties
• Rich in protein Contains 25% protein

• Grading

The most used grading classification comes from the United States. Under this, grades are defined by the number of groundnuts counted in one ounce (e.g. 38/42 or 40/50). The size is added to the name of the groundnut type or variety (e.g. super jumbo Virginia in shell 9/11). However, grading classifications originating from other producing countries may be used, as well.

• Food safety certification
• Packaging Requirements

The most common types of export packaging are vacuum bags in cartons in the case of kernels and jute bags in the case of in-shell groundnuts. Other materials include tinplate containers or paper boxes. The size of the packaging for the export of bulk groundnuts is different. In many cases, bulk groundnuts are exported in quantities of 25 kg, but large bags weighing 1 to 1.5 tonnes are often used, as well. Retail packaging is very different, but it is not very often used in imports from the main export origins

• Labeling Requirements

The type of groundnuts and the name of the product must appear on the label, and either “groundnuts” or “groundnuts in-shell”. It is common for labels on export packaging to include the crop year, as well.  Information about bulk packaging has to be indicated either on the packaging or in accompanying documents. Bulk package labeling must include the following information:

• Name of the product
• Lot identification number
• Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, distributor or importer
• Storage instructions — storage and transport instructions are very important due to the high oil content and sensitivity to high levels of moisture, which can negatively influence quality if not dealt with properly.

The lot identification number and the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, distributor or importer may be replaced by an identification mark.

Quality Standard:

Moisture content:  –         10% max

Mould/Decay:      –         0.2% max

Impurities:             –         1% max

Packaging:

Clean jute bags are used in packaging the groundnut with the husk while the groundnuts without the husk are package with clean propylene woven bags.