Sesame Farming: Boost Yields and Health with Improved Varieties

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) has been a farmer’s favorite for centuries, due to its resilience and high demand. It is the oldest native oilseed crop and has the longest history of cultivation in India. The terms til (Hindi, Punjabi, Assamese, Bengali, Marathi), tal (Gujarati), nuvvulu, manchi nuvvulu (Telugu), and ellu (Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada),rasi (Odia), and tila/pitratarpana (Sanskrit) in various regions of India. 50% oil, 25% protein, and 15% carbohydrates make up sesame seeds, which are utilized in baking, confectionery, and other culinary sectors. It is a fundamental component of religion, culture, and rituals.

India leads the world with 16.73 lakh hectares of agricultural land and 6.5 lakh tonnes of output. India's average sesame production (391 kg/ha) is poor when compared to other nations worldwide. Rainfed production of sesame in marginal and suburban areas is the primary cause of its low productivity. in conditions of input starvation and inadequate management. However, with changing times, better varieties and advanced techniques are helping farmers grow more while working smarter.

Why Sesame is Considered as Superfood to Humans and Animals

Extraordinary amounts of methionine, tryptophan, and amino acids with countless health advantages can be found in sesame seeds. Known as the Queen of oils, it serves as the foundation for Ayurvedic medicines. The seeds of sesame are referred to as the immortality seed. For poultry and cattle, sesame meal is a great, premium feed that contains 40% protein. Rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and the vitamins E, A, and B Complex, sesame seeds are a storehouse of energy.

"Til se dil or Til – dil" is the ancient Hindi proverb in India signifying the importance of sesame for the heart.

• Loaded with Nutrients: They’re rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats.

• Good for the Heart: The natural compounds in sesame help lower bad cholesterol.

• Stronger Bones: High calcium content makes them great for bone health.

• Powerful Antioxidants: They protect the body from harmful free radicals.

Sesame isn’t just a crop; it’s a health booster in every bite.

Improved Sesame Varieties You Should Know About

Sesame cultivation benefits greatly from choosing the right variety. Here’s a breakdown of some prominent varieties, their key features, and a comparative analysis 

1. YLM 66 (Sarda): This is the highest cultivated variety which covers 60% production area in Andhra Pradesh with brown colour seeds.

• Yield: 1125 kg/ha

• Oil Content: 50.3%

• Recommendation: Ideal for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions.

2. Gujarat Til-4: White-seeded sesame variety G. Till 4 suitable be grown in Gujarat's North Saurashtra Region. Compared to G.Til 2 and G.Til 3, this variety demonstrated yield increases of 18.28% and 10.79%, respectively.

• Yield: 750–800 kg/ha

• Oil Content: 48–54%

• Special Traits: Early maturing (79–83 days) with multiple capsules.

3. RT-346: This white, bold-seeded cultivar is ideal for growing in India's National Zone I. Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Western Uttar Pradesh, and portions of Maharashtra and Karnataka are all included in this region.

• Yield: 750–850 kg/ha

• Oil Content: 49–51%

• Special Traits: Non-hairy alternate capsules, mature in 82–86 days.

4. RT-351: This white-seeded and a high yielding is advised to grow in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and J&K.

• Yield: 700–800 kg/ha

• Oil Content: 49–51%

• Special Traits: Tolerant to Macrophomina, leaf curl, and Cercospora diseases.

5. TKG-306: This white sesame, medium maturing variety is recommended to grow in the region of Madhya Pradesh

• Yield: 700–800 kg/ha

• Oil Content: 49–52%

• Special Traits: Tolerant to phyllody, Macrophomina, Cercospora, powdery mildew, and Alternaria leaf spot; matures in 86–90 days.

6. TMV (SV)-7: This Brown seeded medium maturing variety which is highly proteinous recommended to grow in the southern part of India.

• Yield: 800–900 kg/ha

• Oil Content: 48–50%

• Special Traits: High protein content (24.5%), tolerant to root rot, suitable for value-added products; matures in 80–85 days.

Reasons to Choose These Sesame Varieties:

• For Highest Yield: YLM 66 provides the highest yield (1125 kg/ha), making it ideal for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana farmers.

• For Early Maturity: Gujarat Til-4 is the quickest to mature (79–83 days), perfect for areas with shorter growing seasons.

• For Disease Resistance: TKG-306 stands out for its broad tolerance to phyllody, Macrophomina, Cercospora, and more.

• For Protein-Rich Seeds: TMV (SV)-7 offers the highest protein content (24.5%), suitable for value-added products like sesame flour and sesame paste.

Each variety has unique strengths, and farmers should choose based on their region, climate, and specific farming needs.

By embracing modern sesame farming, we can ensure that this age-old crop continues to thrive for generations to come- supporting farmers and nourishing consumers alike.

(Source: https://icar-iior.org.in/sites/default/files/iiorcontent/pops/sesame.pdf)