Learn sesame seeds (til) farming with complete details on cultivation, cost, profit, processing, health benefits & global market potential.
- Introduction 🌍
Sesame seeds, known as “Til” in India, are among the oldest oilseed crops in the world. With high oil content (up to 50%), sesame is called the “Queen of Oilseeds”. Its nutty flavor, long shelf life, and wide uses in food, cosmetics, and medicine make it one of the most profitable crops.
India, China, Myanmar, Sudan, and Nigeria are the leading producers, while Japan, USA, and European countries are major importers. With increasing demand for healthy edible oils, sesame cultivation offers farmers a sustainable profit option.
- Scientific Name + Origin + Producers 🔬
Scientific Name: Sesamum indicum
Family: Pedaliaceae
Origin: Believed to have originated in Africa, later spread to Asia (India, China).
Top Producers: Sudan, India, Myanmar, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, China.
Major Exporters: India, Sudan, Ethiopia.
Major Importers: Japan, USA, China, Turkey, EU.
- Farming Guide 🌱
🌍 Climate
Sesame is a warm-season crop.
Best temperature: 25–35°C.
Rainfall: 500–650 mm is ideal.
Cannot tolerate waterlogging.
🌱 Soil
Well-drained sandy loam to alluvial soils.
pH: 5.5 – 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic).
Saline soils not suitable.
🌾 Sowing
Season: June–July (Kharif), October–November (Rabi).
Seed rate: 1.5–2.0 kg per acre.
Spacing: 30 × 10 cm.
Germination: 5–7 days.
💧 Irrigation
Requires 2–3 irrigations during dry spells.
Critical stages: flowering & pod formation.
Avoid excessive irrigation.
🌿 Fertilizers
FYM (Farmyard Manure): 2 tons per acre.
NPK: 20:10:10 kg/acre.
Organic sesame is highly demanded in the export market.
🌾 Harvesting
Crop duration: 80–120 days.
Harvest when leaves yellow and capsules start turning brown.
Plants are cut, stacked for drying, and seeds are threshed.
🌱 Sesame Seeds (Til) Farming Guide
- Cost & Profit Analysis 💰
🌱 Cost of Cultivation (Per Acre, Approx in USD)
Land Preparation: $80 – $100
Seeds & Sowing: $15 – $20
Fertilizers & Manure: $40 – $50
Irrigation (2–3 times): $30 – $40
Labor & Intercultural Operations: $70 – $100
Harvesting & Threshing: $50 – $60
Miscellaneous: $20
👉 Total Cost per Acre: $300 – $350
🌾 Yield & Profit
Average yield: 350–500 kg per acre.
Market Price: $1.5 – $2.5 per kg (varies by quality, organic fetches higher).
Gross Income per Acre: $600 – $1,200
Net Profit per Acre: $300 – $850
👉 Sesame is considered a low-investment, high-return oilseed crop, especially profitable if grown organically for exports.
- Processing & Storage ⚙️
🔄 Processing Steps
- Cleaning: Removal of stones, dirt, plant residues.
- Hulling (optional): Removing the outer shell to get white sesame seeds.
- Drying: Seeds sun-dried to reduce moisture to <7%.
- Oil Extraction: Cold-pressed sesame oil fetches premium value.
- Packaging: Packed in jute bags, vacuum packs, or bottles for oil.
🏠 Storage
Store in cool, dry, moisture-free godowns.
Must be protected from pests & insects.
Shelf life: 6–12 months, oil can last longer.
- Global Market & Export Potential 🌍
India is the largest exporter of sesame seeds.
Top Export Markets: Japan, South Korea, USA, Turkey, Middle East, and Europe.
Global Market Size (2024 est.): $7+ billion.
Export Price: $1,800 – $2,500 per ton.
Organic sesame fetches 30–40% higher price.
Huge demand for cold-pressed sesame oil in USA & Europe.
👉 With rising global health awareness, sesame farming is a future-proof business for farmers.
🌱 Sesame Seeds (Til) Farming Guide
- Health Benefits 🌿
Sesame seeds are not only profitable for farmers but also extremely beneficial for health.
Rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc → strengthens bones & teeth.
Contains sesamin & sesamolin (lignans) → powerful antioxidants.
Boosts heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).
Improves skin glow & hair growth (used in Ayurvedic oils).
Helps in diabetes management by regulating blood sugar.
High in iron → prevents anemia.
Cold-pressed sesame oil is excellent for cooking & massage therapy.
- Cons (Challenges in Farming) ⚠️
Sensitive to waterlogging → crop loss if heavy rains occur.
Vulnerable to pests: Leaf roller, leaf spot, and gall fly.
Low productivity compared to cereals.
Harvesting requires careful timing, else pods shatter and seeds fall.
Price fluctuations in local markets.
- FAQ Section ❓
Q1. How many days does sesame take to mature?
👉 80–120 days depending on the variety.
Q2. Which country is the largest producer of sesame seeds?
👉 Sudan, followed by India and Myanmar.
Q3. Can sesame be grown organically?
👉 Yes, organic sesame fetches 40% higher price in the export market.
Q4. What is the average profit per acre of sesame?
👉 Around $300–$850 per acre depending on yield & market rate.
Q5. What is sesame oil used for?
👉 Cooking, cosmetics, massage oils, Ayurvedic medicines.
Q6. Can sesame grow in dry regions?
👉 Yes, it is a drought-tolerant crop but needs well-drained soil.
- Conclusion (Summary + Farming Tip) 🌾
Sesame (Til) is rightly called the “Queen of Oilseeds” due to its rich oil content and high nutritional value. With low input cost, good export demand, and multiple uses in food and cosmetics, it is one of the best crops for small and large farmers alike.
👉 Farming Tip: Always choose improved, high-yielding varieties and prefer organic sesame farming to gain premium export prices.
Sesame farming, Til farming, sesame cultivation, sesame profit per acre, sesame export, sesame health benefits
✍️Real Neel
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