Demand for peanut oil in India is increasing and a dependable supply of quality seed of varieties that combine both high oil and high oleic traits are highly desirable for increased shelf life and consumer health benefits, said Mr Tushar Tumar from Kedut Foods and Feeds at a recent virtual industry interface meeting hosted by ICAR – Directorate of Groundnut Research. At the same meet, scientists, traders, seed producers and processors discussed the importance of having seed production guidelines in place to ensure high genetic purity in the high-oleic seed value chain.
Addressing peanut industry, traders, and exporters virtually, Dr T Radhakrishnan, Director, ICAR-DGR sought their feedback on the opportunities and limitations in domestic and export markets to identify researchable issues that can strengthen the peanut value chain in India. Key issues from the feedback include –
For the confectionery and chocolate industry, high-oleic peanut is high priority and a high standard of genetic purity in seed and commodity value chain, and food safety are critical for businesses.