Groundnut is a major oilseed crop of India. However, unlike other oilseeds, groundnut can be consumed directly as food. With the growing awareness among people about the importance of balanced diet, demand for low calorie-high protein foods is increasing as people tend to avoid consumption of high-fat foods lest it should cause obesity and associated health problems.

Indian peanuts are consumed in over 50 countries. Indian peanuts are the only source that are available all-round the year. Crops are planted in two cycles and harvested in March and October. There are several other inter-cropping cycles which makes Indian peanut a prime source of supply.