Project report for Sesame Seed Cultivation

Sesame is an oilseed crop of Indian origin. It is chiefly confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions and has vintage value for the high quality edible oil and seed for direct confectionery use. It is the fourth largest oilseed crop cultivated in India after soybean, rapeseed-mustard and groundnut. The importance of sesame is recognized globally and therefore holds a prime position in the international trade. The global trade of sesame seed is valued at approximately INR 11100.21 Lakhs. In addition, the demand for sesame oil is also increasing during the last decade indicating the importance of sesame crop at the global level. Sesame has excellent nutritional, medicinal, cosmetic and cooking qualities of oil. Due to the presence of lignans and tocopherols, sesame oil has remarkable antioxidant function. The seeds are rich in quality proteins and essential amino acids. The seed is a rich source of linoleic acid, vitamins E, A, B1, B2, niacin and minerals. The history of medicinal usage of sesame is intimately linked with the history of humankind. Ayurveda, the mother of all the systems of medicine, has used sesame oil as base. The world knows the importance of tiny sesame and therefore considers it as queen of oil seeds. Sesame is one of the most important oilseed crops not only in mainland India but also in North Eastern India, comprising of eight states. It is cultivated in marginal lands and borders of field crop for its seed. It is mainly of two distinct types, the black and the white. Colour can also vary from red to rose or from brown or grey. It is used in the preparation of many cuisines and snacks.

India exported 312.62 lakh tonnes of sesame seed and oil, amounting to 3920 crores in the year 2020-21. It is extensively grown in Gujarat, West Bengal, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. With increasing health awareness and its use in a plethora of food products as well as for cosmetics and pharmaceutical purposes, there is a demand for organically produced sesame. The increase in consumption of organic sesame along with healthy eating trend has led to an increase of demand in the global market. Organic sesame gets more recognition and premium in the market. In addition to this, it also maintains soil health and overall, the environment. The growing demand for super foods among health-conscious consumers is driving the demand for the market. However, price fluctuations and allergies associated with the commodity are holding back the growth of sesame seeds. The drivers identified in this market are consumption patterns and increasing health awareness, increasing demand across nations, and advancements and innovations in terms of hybrids. The restraints identified in the market are international price fluctuations, strong international competition, and salmonella risk in sesame seed.