Sesame Cultivation in India: A Quick Guide

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Sesame, also referred to as “Til” in Hindi, is among the oldest oilseed crops cultivated in India. It has small seeds, which are oil-packed and extremely healthy. They are consumed for cooking oil, sweets, and snacks.  Most Indian farmers cultivate this crop since it is water-saving and highly rewarding. 

You can go through the guide below to learn about the process of growing sesame in India.

How to Grow Sesame: 9 Simple Stages

By following a simple step-by-step process, farmers can grow healthy sesame plants and earn good profits. The 9 stages for successful cultivation are given below.

  • Preparing the Land

Preparation of the land is necessary before planting sesame to provide the plant with the best environment to develop. Ploughing the soil is the first process, which involves breaking the ground to create a loose and settle-in-like type of ground. 

After that, the soil needs to be smoothed out. The Solis 4415 E tractor is a great option for this process. Its 44 HP powerful engine and 41 HP PTO are capable of pulling implements such as harrows that can level the ground and remove trash. This smooths the ground and makes it even and soft, which is ideal for sesame to grow healthy and strong.

  • Choosing the Right Variety

The key to success in farming is choosing the correct variety. Different types are adapted to various soils and seasons, so it’s necessary to choose one that is appropriate for your area. Local agricultural universities or Krishi Vigyan Kendras can suggest the best ones. Sowing pure and uniform seeds leads to uniform growth and harvesting. Old or mixed seeds should not be used because they lead to reduced yield and more pests.

  • Sowing 

The seeds are small in size, and thus, they need to be planted carefully. They may be sown by hand or using a seed drill with the help of a tractor. Plant them at a shallow depth (1.5 to 2 cm), with the rows having an interval of approximately 30 cm, thus creating enough space to develop.

  • Watering the Crop

Sesame plants do not need much water and can grow well with limited rain. However, in dry areas, farmers give 2 to 3 light irrigations. The first one is given about 25–30 days after sowing, and the second one is during flowering or pod formation. Overwatering is not recommended as it can cause the roots to rot.

  • Weeding & Pest Management 

Weeding and pest control techniques are necessary to raise healthy plants. Weeds steal nutrients and space from crops. They are normally removed manually 2 to 3 times, starting 20 days from planting. The first weeding occurs about 20 days after sowing, when the plants start to develop.

Pests such as leaf rollers, jassids, and whiteflies can damage the plants. To save them, farmers apply pesticides that are safe or natural remedies such as neem oil to repel the pests. Weed and pest care makes the plant strong and seed-bearing.

  • Using Fertilizers

Fertilizers provide the plant with the necessary nutrients required for development. Farmers apply an equal amount of NPK before planting to improve soil fertility. The first dose is at the budding phase, and an additional second dose is during the growing phase. This improves healthy plant growth and increases yields. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or farmyard manure, also improve soil health.

  • Flowering and Pod Formation

Sesame plants begin flowering around 35 to 40 days after planting. White or pink flowers develop on the plant. These flowers turn into long pods, each full of tiny seeds. The pods should be allowed to dry on the plant before harvesting.

  • Harvesting the Crop

When the leaves start drying and the pods turn yellow or brown, it is time to harvest. This usually happens 80 to 100 days after sowing. The plants are cut close to the ground using a sickle or cutter. They are tied in bundles and left to dry for a few days in the sun.

The plants are cut close to the ground with a sickle or cutter. They are bound in bundles and left to dry in the sun for a few days. When dry, the seeds are threshed out from the pods. This is referred to as threshing. It is carried out either by beating the bundles on the ground or through the use of a small machine.

  • Post-Harvest and Storage

After threshing, seeds are washed to remove dirt and shattered pieces. They are thereafter cleaned and sun-dried for 2–3 days to remove moisture. They are stored in dry containers or bags in a cool and insect-free place.

Tractors such as the Powertrac 434 can help in carrying the seeds to storage facilities or markets. Its 35 HP engine with 30.1 HP PTO and 1600 kg lifting capacity is suitable for managing the post-harvest process. In addition, the Powertrac tractor 434 price varies between Rs 5.35 lakh and Rs 5.55 lakh.

Conclusion

Sesame farming is a great option for Indian farmers who want to grow a crop that needs less care but gives good profits. It grows well in warm and dry weather and is always in demand. With the right farming steps and attention, sesame can give a good harvest. It is a useful crop that provides healthy seeds and oil for many purposes.