GT-7 Sesame Variety: How to Cultivate Sesame with Less Water, Yield, Oil Content and Farming Tips

Key highlights

• GT-7 sesame is also known as Banas Gaurav.

• The variety contains up to 49.06% oil.

• Its reported average yield is around 957 kg per hectare.

• The recommended seed rate is 2-5 kg per hectare.

• Flowering and pod formation are critical stages for irrigation management.

Sesame farming can be a profitable option for farmers looking to earn a good income with limited water and lower cultivation costs. Sesame is mainly grown during the Kharif season and requires less water than many other traditional crops. It can also perform well in areas with relatively low rainfall when farmers follow proper cultivation practices.

Among the improved sesame varieties, GT-7 (Gujarat Sesame-7), popularly known as Banas Gaurav, is an important option for farmers. Developed by scientists at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU), Gujarat, this variety is known for its attractive, thick seeds and high oil content of up to 49.06%.

Under suitable growing conditions and proper crop management, GT-7 can produce an average yield of around 957 kg per hectare. Its performance, however, depends on soil quality, rainfall, weather conditions and farming practices.

From selecting the right sowing time to managing irrigation, fertilizers, weeds and harvesting, here is everything farmers need to know about cultivating the GT-7 sesame variety.

GT-7 Sesame Variety: Key Features and Benefits

GT-7, also called Banas Gaurav, was developed by agricultural scientists at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University in Gujarat. Its high oil content makes it an attractive variety for farmers interested in sesame production.

The variety is primarily suitable for Kharif cultivation and produces thick, attractive grains.

The average yield and oil content may vary depending on local growing conditions and crop management. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other states should consult their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or agricultural university to confirm whether GT-7 is suitable for their region before cultivating it on a large scale.

Best Time to Sow GT-7 Sesame in Different States

Choosing the right sowing time is important for proper germination, healthy plant growth and better crop production.

Sesame plants do not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, farmers should select fields with good drainage and sow the crop when sufficient moisture is available in the soil.

The recommended sowing periods for different states are:

These periods are general recommendations. Actual sowing should depend on local rainfall, weather conditions and soil moisture. Farmers should avoid sowing in completely dry soil and wait for adequate moisture after rainfall.

How to Prepare the Field for Sesame Cultivation

Proper field preparation helps sesame seeds germinate evenly and allows the roots to develop properly.

Before sowing GT-7, farmers should follow these steps:

• Plough the field thoroughly to loosen the soil.

• Prepare a fine and even seedbed for uniform sowing.

• Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from collecting in the field.

• Apply well-decomposed cow dung manure during field preparation.

• Remove unwanted weeds and crop residues where necessary.

Good drainage is particularly important because standing water can damage sesame plants and affect overall crop growth.

GT-7 Sesame Seed Rate, Spacing and Sowing Method

Sesame seeds are very small, so farmers need to pay special attention to seed quantity, sowing depth and spacing. Proper seed placement helps achieve uniform germination and reduces overcrowding.

The recommended sowing details are:

For uniform sowing, farmers can mix sesame seeds with fine sand or soil before broadcasting or placing them in rows. This makes it easier to distribute the small seeds evenly across the field.

Seeds should not be placed too deep, as excessive sowing depth can affect germination and early plant establishment.

How to Grow Sesame with Less Water: Irrigation Management

One of the major advantages of sesame cultivation is that it is primarily a rain-fed crop. It can be grown with limited irrigation compared with several other crops.

However, maintaining sufficient soil moisture during important growth stages can improve plant development, flowering and pod formation.

Farmers who have access to limited irrigation should focus on the following two critical stages.

1. Early Growth Stage

When sesame plants develop around 4-5 leaves, adequate soil moisture supports initial plant growth and helps establish a healthy crop.

If the soil becomes excessively dry during this stage, irrigation may be beneficial, depending on rainfall and field conditions.

2. Flowering and Pod Formation Stage

Flowering and pod formation are among the most important stages of sesame cultivation. Sufficient moisture during this period supports flower development and seed formation.

If farmers have water available for only one irrigation, they should prioritise the flowering and pod formation stage, depending on the crop's condition and soil moisture.

Important: Sesame plants are sensitive to excess water. Farmers should irrigate only when required and ensure that water does not remain standing in the field.

Fertilizer and Manure Management for GT-7 Sesame

Balanced nutrition is necessary for healthy plant growth and better sesame production. Farmers can use well-decomposed cow dung manure during field preparation to improve soil fertility and provide organic matter.

For rain-fed sesame cultivation, the general recommended nutrient requirement mentioned for the crop is:

The actual fertilizer requirement may vary according to soil type, existing nutrient levels and field fertility.

Therefore, farmers should get their soil tested before applying fertilizers. The final fertilizer dose and application method should be decided according to soil-test results and recommendations from local agricultural experts.

Applying fertilizers in balanced quantities can help maintain crop health without unnecessary input costs.

Weed Management to Improve Sesame Yield

Weed control is another important part of sesame cultivation. During the initial growth period, sesame plants develop relatively slowly, allowing weeds to grow quickly.

These unwanted plants compete with sesame for water, nutrients, sunlight and growing space. If weeds are not controlled on time, they can affect crop development and reduce productivity.

Farmers should follow this weeding schedule:

In addition to these two operations, farmers should regularly remove weeds growing around sesame plants.

They should also maintain the recommended plant spacing and carry out earthing up wherever required. Timely weed management helps sesame plants receive sufficient nutrients, water and space for healthy growth.

Which Crops Can Be Grown After Sesame? Crop Rotation Options

Sesame can also be included in crop diversification and crop rotation plans. After harvesting the crop, farmers can select another crop according to local weather, soil conditions and available irrigation facilities.

Some suitable crop rotation options include:

Before selecting the next crop, farmers should consider the moisture remaining in the soil, the sowing schedule of the following crop and local climatic conditions.

Including pulses such as black gram and green gram in crop rotation can also be beneficial for improving cropping diversity and supporting soil health.

When and How to Harvest GT-7 Sesame?

Harvesting sesame at the right time is essential to prevent seed losses and maintain crop quality. If farmers delay harvesting for too long, mature sesame pods may burst open, causing seeds to fall onto the ground. This can result in considerable losses during harvesting.

Farmers can identify the right harvesting time through the following signs:

• The leaves of sesame plants start turning yellow.

• The lower pods begin changing colour.

• The pods show visible signs of maturity.

Once these signs appear, farmers should plan harvesting at the appropriate stage rather than waiting too long.

After harvesting, the plants should be threshed to separate the seeds. The collected sesame seeds must then be dried thoroughly before storage to help maintain their quality.

GT-7 Sesame Cultivation: Important Points for Farmers

GT-7, or Banas Gaurav, is a Kharif sesame variety with an average reported yield of around 957 kg per hectare and an oil content of up to 49.06%. It requires approximately 2-5 kg of seed per hectare and can be cultivated mainly under rain-fed conditions.

Farmers should focus on timely sowing, proper drainage, balanced fertilizer application, weed management and sufficient moisture during flowering and pod formation. Following these practices can help improve crop establishment and productivity while making efficient use of available water.

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CMV360 Says

The GT-7 sesame variety, also known as Banas Gaurav, offers farmers an option for Kharif cultivation with limited water availability. Its reported average yield of 957 kg per hectare and oil content of 49.06% make it worth considering. However, successful cultivation depends on timely sowing, suitable soil, balanced nutrition, weed control and careful irrigation. Farmers should consult local agricultural experts before selecting this variety to ensure its suitability for their region and achieve better returns.