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Technology package IMPROVED PEANUT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Summary Peanut is one of the most nutritious and easily grown food crops. It can complement the cereal and tuber food staples as root and tuber crops lack the essential proteins necessary for a balanced diet. Peanut also improves soil fertility for other crops. Peanut can be a major source of cash income, particularly for women. Nevertheless, current peanut production levels in PNG are generally low with pod yields of 0.5 to 1 tonne per hectare as against the crop’s potential of 3-4 tonnes per hectare with appropriate improved production technologies. With a domestic market valued at K29 million and serious engagement of farmers in peanut production, it is imperative for economic gains. Peanut is one of the most nutritious and easily grown food crops. It can complement the cereal and tuber food staples as root and tuber crops lack the essential proteins necessary for a balanced diet. Peanut also improves soil fertility for other crops. Peanut can be a major source of cash income, particularly for women. Nevertheless, current peanut production levels in PNG are generally low with pod yields of 0.5 to 1 tonne per hectare as against the crop’s potential of 3-4 tonnes per hectare with appropriate improved production technologies. With a domestic market valued at K29 million and serious engagement of farmers in peanut production, it is imperative for economic gains. Based on research done by the NARI, Trukai Agribusiness Ltd, Ramu Agri Industries Ltd and ACIAR (QDPI), high yielding peanut cultivars and improved production practices have been recommended and released.
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High Yielding Peanut Varieties • 9 short duration (SD) and 6 medium duration (MD) varieties have been selected and recommended for lowlands • 5 short duration and 4 medium duration varieties have been selected and recommended for highlands. • The recommended varieties are given in Table 1 and 2. • Short duration varieties require about 90-120 days whilst the medium duration varieties need 130-160 days under the Markham valley conditions. • These varieties have been adequately tested and well assessed over 3 seasons. Table 1. High-yielding short-duration peanut varieties recommended for the Highlands and Lowlands Improved Production Practices The improved production packages recommended include; • seed treatment with fungicides to improve germination • line sowing to optimise land use • fertilizer application to improve growth and yield • pesticide application to improve growth and yield The improved production package was adequately tested and assessed over 3 seasons.