Climate / Temperature: Sesame cultivation is primarily practiced in Bundelkhand, especially in well-drained areas such as Rankar, Padua, and Kankar. It is also grown in Mirzapur, Fatehpur, Allahabad, Agra, and Mainpuri as a pure or mixed crop. In the plains, it is sown alongside crops like jowar, bajra, and tuar. Production can be increased through low-density planting methods.
Sesame requires well-drained soil for optimal growth. For best yields, it is recommended to plow the land once with a moldboard plow, followed by 2-3 cultivations using either a cultivator or traditional plow. During plowing, 5 tons of well-rotted farmyard manure should be mixed into the soil per hectare.
Soil: Sesame grows well in conditions of well-drained soil. Proper soil preparation is crucial for good production.
Major Varieties: Here are some major sesame varieties, their characteristics, maturity period (days), oil percentage, yield (quintals/hectare), and suitable areas:
Sowing of Crops:
Seed Rate and Treatment: Use 3-4 kilograms of clean and healthy seeds per hectare. To prevent seed-borne diseases, treat seeds with 2 grams of Thiram and 1 gram of Carbendazim per kilogram of seed.
Sowing Time and Method: The ideal sowing time is from the last week of June to the second fortnight of July. Early sowing in Western Uttar Pradesh may increase the risk of phyllody disease. Seeds should be sown at a shallow depth, spaced 30-45 centimeters apart, and mixed with sand, ash, or light dry sandy soil since the seeds are small.
Field Preparation: For optimal yields, the land must have good drainage. Field preparation involves plowing the land once followed by several cultivations. It is essential to incorporate manure during plowing.
Crop Cycle: The sesame crop cycle varies based on variety and environmental conditions, typically ranging from 80 to 100 days from sowing to harvesting.
Water Management: Irrigation is necessary when 50-60% of the pods are formed, and there is a lack of moisture in the soil.
Weed Management: Weeds should be removed 15-20 days after sowing, followed by a second weeding 30-35 days later. During weeding, thinning should be done to maintain a distance of 10-12 centimeters between plants. For weed control, apply 1.25 liters of Alachlor 50 EC per hectare within three days of sowing.
Harvesting: Harvest the crop at the appropriate maturity level and bundle the plants for drying in an elevated position. Once dried, thresh the sesame on a solid surface or tarpaulin. Avoid using dung during threshing, as it can reduce export quality.
Diseases & Disease Prevention:
Pests:
Control Measures: Spray one of the following insecticides:
Diseases:
Treatment: Avoid early sowing. Treat the soil with 10 grams of Forate per 15 kilograms/hectare during sowing, and spray 1 liter of Methyl-O-Demetan 25 EC per hectare.
Treatment: For prevention, spray 3.0 kilograms of Oxychloride or 2.5 kilograms of Mancozeb per hectare as needed.
