Review on groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.) breeding, production challenges, and opportunities in Ethiopia

Groundnut, cultivated on a total area of 87,616.31 hectares annually with a total production of 144,525.4 tons, is third and the most important oil seed crop in Ethiopia next to sesame and Niger. Groundnut breeding in Ethiopia has been dominantly carried out by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) since 1966. Recently, joint efforts with regional agricultural research institutes and universities have made efforts to develop improved (high yielding with high oil content having broad adaptation and acceptable end-use qualities) varieties. Until. To date, a total of 32 improved groundnut varieties have been released in 1976–2022. However, in contrast to other countries, the average productivity in this country is low (1.8 tone ha⁻¹). Both biotic and abiotic factors (drought, low soil fertility, and soil salinity) limit groundnut production. Socioeconomic limitations are another significant issue that lowers Ethiopia’s productivity, production, and area coverage. This may be due to the low adoption of farmers to new technologies like improved varieties, fertilizer, and other production packages. Therefore, sustainable groundnut productivity and production may be ensured by involving all stakeholders in developing improved varieties; farmer awareness; and supplying high-quality seeds to farmers. This paper summarizes the status of groundnut production, production constraints, groundnut breeding progress, and prospects in Ethiopia.