Ground-nuts; seed, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken

HS code 120230 covers the trade and production of unroasted and uncooked ground-nuts, also known as peanuts. This agricultural commodity is a significant player in the global food and oilseed markets, with widespread applications in the food processing, confectionery, and animal feed industries. Ground-nuts are a valuable source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an important part of the human diet worldwide.

The production of ground-nuts involves several key steps. First, the peanut seeds are planted and grown in suitable climates, typically in tropical and subtropical regions. The plants are harvested when the pods have fully matured, and the nuts are then dried, cleaned, and sorted. Depending on the intended use, the ground-nuts may be left in the shell or shelled, and they may undergo further processing such as roasting, salting, or flavoring.

The main inputs required for the ground-nut industry include arable land, suitable climate conditions, agricultural machinery for planting and harvesting, and labor for various stages of production. Additionally, inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides are necessary to ensure a healthy and productive crop. The industry also relies on efficient transportation and storage infrastructure to move the raw materials and finished products to domestic and international markets.

The primary output of HS code 120230 is unroasted and uncooked ground-nuts, which can be used in a variety of applications. These nuts are often consumed directly as a snack or ingredient in various food products, such as 200811 Peanuts, prepared or preserved, 210310 Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, and 230650 Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of groundnut oil. Ground-nuts are also a valuable source of vegetable oil, which can be further processed and used in the production of 151550 Fixed vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified; groundnut oil and its fractions, among other products.