The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has developed two high-oleic groundnut varieties that promise longer shelf life and enhanced nutritional value, according to a July 1, 2026 announcement. The new varieties are set to benefit groundnut farmers in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and the North Eastern States, combining higher yields with premium oil quality to improve farm profitability, strengthen India’s edible oil value chain, and support national efforts to reduce dependence on imported edible oils.
New Varieties Released
The All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut (AICRP-G) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently identified two new varieties — ICGV 201214 and ICGV 181030 — for national release. Both are medium-duration Spanish bunch types, recommended for cultivation during the Kharif season in specific zones.
| Trait | ICGV 181030 | ICGV 201214 |
|---|---|---|
| Oleic acid content | ~78% | 81% |
| Oil content | Not specified | 53% |
| Protein content | Not specified | 27% |
| Yield improvement | 7% increase in pod yield over three years vs. best zonal check (Girnar 3) in Zone IV | Bold, attractive kernels preferred by farmers and market |
| Joint development partner | University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad (Karnataka) | Junagadh Agricultural University |
| Recommended zones | Zone II (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra) and Zone IV (Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Northeastern States) | Zone II (Gujarat and Rajasthan) |
According to Janila Pasupuleti, Principal Scientist (Groundnut Breeding) at ICRISAT, ICGV 181030 contains approximately 78 per cent oleic acid and delivered a 7 per cent increase in pod yield over three years of testing compared with the best zonal check, Girnar 3, in Zone IV. The second variety, ICGV 201214, contains 81 per cent oleic acid, 53 per cent oil, and 27 per cent protein, producing bold, attractive kernels preferred by both farmers and the market.
Benefits and Value Chain Impact
High-oleic groundnuts contain significantly higher levels of oleic acid than conventional varieties, producing oil with improved shelf life, greater oxidative stability, and enhanced nutritional value. An ICRISAT spokesperson noted, "These characteristics are increasingly sought after by food processors, manufacturers and health-conscious consumers, creating opportunities for premium pricing across the value chain."
The new varieties are expected to directly benefit groundnut farmers in key growing regions including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the Northeastern States. By combining higher yields with premium oil quality, ICRISAT aims to improve farm profitability and strengthen India’s edible oil value chain, supporting national efforts to reduce dependence on imported edible oils.
The development of these varieties underscores the role of public-sector research institutions like ICRISAT and its partners in addressing agricultural challenges. The collaboration with UAS Dharwad for ICGV 181030 and with Junagadh Agricultural University for ICGV 201214 highlights the importance of institutional partnerships in crop improvement.
Outlook
With the national release of ICGV 181030 and ICGV 201214, farmers in the recommended zones now have access to high-oleic groundnut varieties that offer both yield advantages and premium market potential. As food processors and health-conscious consumers increasingly demand high-oleic oil, these varieties could create new revenue streams for growers and help reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils. The performance of these varieties during the upcoming Kharif season will be closely watched by agribusiness stakeholders.
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