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The Indian Oilseed and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) has estimated this year’s summer groundnut production in Gujarat at 193,256 tonnes. Summer sesame seed production in the state is estimated at 128,878 tonnes.
In 2013, groundnut production in the state was 80,000-90,000 tonnes, while that of sesame seed was 38,000-40,000 tonnes.
The Council did a survey in Gujarat to estimate summer groundnut and sesame seed production during May 12-19. According to the report, sowing had improved in both commodities due to better availability of water due to a good monsoon.
According to the report, farmers had sown groundnut in 96,331 hectares and sesame seed in 138,074 hectares. However, traders and exporters did not agree with the report. They claimed production of groundnut would be not more than 150,000 tonnes, while for sesame seed, they predicted 140,000-150,000 tonnes this summer.
A leading exporter of sesame seed said, “Many farmers did not declare their sowing area in sesame seed, as the crop is not covered under insurance. It is hard to get proper sowing data and we believe sesame seed production is likely to be about 150,000 tonnes this year.”
