Sesame prices dip as demand slows

In the wake of sluggish demand in both domestic and export markets, sesame seed prices have declined by nearly Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 per 20 kg over past couple of days.

Traders expect the prices to remain subdued in near future as the export demand will continue to be sluggish. According to traders, sesame seed prices have dipped by 10-15 percent recently.

"There is no demand for Indian sesame seed in the export market. Our prices are higher by Rs.7-8 per kg than the average international prices. Also, unfavourable weather damaged the quality of sesame at the time of harvesting in the Saurashtra and Gujarat", said Ashok Raichura, proprietor of Shree Balakrishna Canvassing Agent.

Sesame arrivals are pegged at 3,500-4,000 bags per day in Gujarat. In early January, quality sesame seed was traded at Rs. 1,180-1,190 per 20 kg. Presently, price for 99/1 quality is Rs.1,100-1,110 and for 98/2 quality it is about Rs. 1,075-1,080 per 20 kg in various markets of Gujarat.

The price of the commodity in Rajasthan is about Rs. 4,000-5,200 per quintal. Hulled auto-sortex is traded at Rs.76 to Rs. 76.50 and sun-sortex is sold at Rs.75 per kg. Hulled sesame is for export market. Hulled sesame seeds are considered as the most nutritious seeds due to its protein and minerals contents.

India generally exports 90 per cent of the total sesame seed production. But this time scenario has changed. Ahmedabad based traders said that overseas demand is almost down by 95 per cent.

Indian export to Middle East is currently negligible. Overseas buyers prefer to buy sesame seed from Sudan, Ethiopia as they get price and quality advantage.