THE JOURNEY OF THE SUDANESE PEANUT
From Gedaref's rain-fed plains to tables across Sudan and the world — every step of the peanut's journey is managed with care.
GEDAREF: SUDAN'S GROUNDNUT HEARTLAND
Gedaref State in eastern Sudan is one of Africa's most productive agricultural regions. Its deep clay soils, reliable seasonal rainfall, and warm climate create ideal conditions for growing groundnuts of exceptional quality. This is where Salco's story begins — at the farm gate, in the fields of Gedaref.
Soil Preparation
Before planting, fields are ploughed and prepared to create the loose, well-drained soil that peanuts need to develop underground. Peanuts are nitrogen-fixing plants — they naturally enrich the soil, making them an excellent crop for sustainable rotation.
Planting
Seeds are sown at the start of the rainy season — typically June to July in Gedaref. Planting depth and spacing are carefully managed to maximise germination rates and allow the plants room to spread.
Germination & Growth
Within days of planting, seedlings emerge. Over the following weeks, the plant flowers above ground — then the fertilised flowers bend downward and push into the soil, where the peanut pods develop underground.
Crop Maintenance
Through the growing season, fields are monitored and maintained — weeding, pest management, and soil moisture checks ensure the crop develops to its full potential.
Harvesting
Peanuts are harvested at the end of the rainy season — typically October to November. Plants are uprooted and the pods are separated from the vines, then dried in the field to reduce moisture content before transport.
Cleaning & Shelling
At Salco's Gedaref facility, raw peanuts are cleaned to remove soil, stones, and foreign matter. They are then mechanically shelled — separating the kernel from the pod — and sorted by size and quality.
Roasting & Pressing
Depending on the end product, kernels are either roasted (for peanut butter and roasted peanuts) or cold-pressed (for peanut oil). Each process is carefully controlled to preserve flavour and nutritional quality.
Packaging & Distribution
Finished products are packaged for domestic retail, wholesale, and export. Salco distributes across Sudan and to international buyers in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
ZERO WASTE
Nothing from the peanut is wasted. Shells become animal feed supplement. Oil-press cake becomes high-protein livestock feed. Even the vines left in the field after harvest return nutrients to the soil. Salco's processing model is built on the principle that every part of the crop has value.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
We are happy to discuss our sourcing, processing, and quality approach with potential buyers and partners.
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