Sesame Farming: Soil Requirements, Land Preparation, Sowing & Harvesting

Sesame farming, also known as Til farming, is a common agricultural practice in India. Sesame seeds are widely used in various cuisines and are a valuable source of oil. This ancient oilseed crop is widely grown in many parts of the world, including India. It is valued for its culinary uses, oil extraction, and various health benefits.

If you're interested in sesame farming, here's a general guide to help you get started:

• Climate and Soil Requirements:

   - Sesame grows well in warm climates with temperatures between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.

   - It requires well-drained soil with good moisture-holding capacity.

   - Sandy loam to clayey loam soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5 is ideal for sesame cultivation.

• Variety Selection:

   - Choose suitable sesame varieties based on the local climatic conditions & market demand.

   - Popular varieties in India include TKG 22, RT 10, TMV 3, AKT 105, and CO 3.

• Land Preparation:

   - Begin land preparation by ploughing or tilling the soil to a depth of 15 to 20 cm.

   - Remove any weeds, rocks, or other debris from the field.

   - Level the field to ensure uniform water distribution.

• Seed Treatment and Sowing:

   - Treat seeds with a fungicide or biocontrol agents to protect against seed-borne diseases.

   - Sow the treated seeds directly in the field or in nurseries, depending on the farming system.

   - For direct sowing, maintain a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants.

   - If using nurseries, transplant the seedlings when they have developed 3 to 4 leaves.

• Irrigation:

   - Sesame requires adequate moisture during its growth period.

   - Irrigate the field immediately after sowing to ensure good germination.

   - Subsequent irrigation should be done at regular intervals.

• Weed Management:

   - Weed competition can significantly affect sesame yield.

   - Use shallow hoeing or hand weeding to control weeds during the early growth stages.

   - Can apply pre-emergence herbicides, such as pendimethalin or oxyfluorfen.

Also Read: A Step-Wise Beginners Guide to Cumin (Jeera) Farming in India

• Fertilization:

   - Conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient requirements of your field.

   - Generally, apply well-rotted farmyard manure or compost before sowing.

   - Based on the soil test, supplement with nitrogen, phosphorus & potassium fertilizers.

• Pest and Disease Management:

   - Common pests in sesame farming include leafhoppers, whiteflies, aphids, and caterpillars.

   - Monitor the field regularly & use appropriate insecticides if necessary.

   - Diseases like leaf spots, powdery mildew, & bacterial leaf blight can affect sesame crops.

   - Apply fungicides as recommended.

• Harvesting:

   - Sesame is ready for harvest when the leaves turn yellow, and the capsules turn brown.

   - Cut the plants at the base and leave them in the field for drying for a few days.

   - After drying, thresh the plants to separate the seeds from the capsules.

• Post-Harvest and Storage:

    - Clean the seeds to remove any impurities or debris.

    - Store the sesame seeds in clean, dry containers or bags to prevent moisture absorption.

    - Proper storage conditions, such as cool and dry environments, help maintain seed quality.

Also Read: Tobacco Farming: Why Known as India's Major Cash Crop?