Sesame (Til)

Sesame Production in India – 

1. India’s Global Rank

India is the largest producer of sesame seeds in the world.

It contributes around 20-25% of the global sesame production.

2. Top Sesame Producing States in India

Rank State Contribution (%)

1. Rajasthan ~26%
2. Uttar Pradesh ~17%
3. Madhya Pradesh ~15%
4. Gujarat ~13%
5. West Bengal ~10%

Other notable producers: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.

3. Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate

Temperature: 25°C to 35°C is ideal.

Cannot tolerate frost or waterlogging.

Prefers dry, warm climate with moderate rainfall (500–650 mm).

Soil

Light to medium well-drained loamy soils.pH 5.5 to 8.0.

Avoid saline or acidic soils.

Season

• Kharif crop in north India (June–September).

• Rabi and summer crops in south India (October–March).

4. Agronomic Facts

• Sowing Time: Kharif (June-July), Rabi (October-November).
• Seed Rate: 3–5 kg/ha.
• Spacing: 30–45 cm row spacing.
• Maturity: 80–100 days after sowing.
• Yield: 500–900 kg/ha (under good practices).

5. Economic Importance

Sesame is called the “Queen of Oilseeds” due to its high oil content (45-50%).

Rich in protein, calcium, and antioxidants.

Exported to Japan, Korea, USA, Middle East.

Used in cooking oil, tahini, sweets (til laddoo), soaps, pharmaceuticals.

6. Interesting Facts

One of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity (~5000 years old).

Drought-resistant, low input crop.

In Indian culture, sesame is used in religious rituals, especially during Makar Sankranti.

The phrase “Open sesame” symbolizes wealth – linking to sesame seed pods that burst open when mature.