India's sesame seed output to rise by 126%: SHEFEXIL

Sesame seed production in 2014-15 is expected to be around 0.43 million tonnes

Country's sesame seed production for 2014-15 is expected to gain by 130 per cent on high acreage and increase in yield, suggests estimates put forward by Shellac And Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL), a Union Commerce and Industry Ministry agency.

According to survey estimates, sesame seed production in 2014-15 would be around 0.43 million tonnes as against last fiscal's 0.19 million tonnes, higher by about 126 per cent.

Sesame seed acreage, which was sown on 1.62 million hectares, was high by 38 per cent than last year's. Favourable weather also increased the yield by about 66 per cent to 268 kg per hectare.

SHEFEXIL stated improved weather condition was favourable for cultivation of sesame seed crop, resulting in improved production and quality of seeds.

Gujarat, the report says, with nearly 122,000 tonnes, will register the highest production while the production in Uttar Pradesh is estimated to be around 111,000 tonnes.

Sesame seed production in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra would be 104,000 tonnes, 79,000 tonnes and 20,000 tonnes respectively, the report estimates.

Suresh Chandarana, managing director, Dhaval Agri Export said, "Quality of sesame seed would be good this year because of high production and favourable weather during growing period."

Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) had undertaken a survey for SHEFEXIL from October 4 to October 18 in country's five sesame seed growing states and met 732 farmers across the country as part of this exercise.

According to data provided by SHEFEXIL, India exported 299,482 tonnes sesame seed in 2013-14 as against 389,153 tonnes in 2012-13. In the current financial year, 76,731 tonnes of sesame seed has been exported from April to June 2014.