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Get more yield with improved sesame varieties and government subsidy; learn cultivation tips and income benefits for farmers.
Govt offers ₹95/kg seed subsidy on 6 sesame varieties.
Scientific farming yields 8–12 quintals/ha income of ₹1 lakh.
Suitable for low-rainfall, uneven land in Uttar Pradesh.
MSP increased to ₹9846/quintal, benefiting farmers.
Sesame has high nutritional, medicinal, and health benefits.
Sesame farming in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, is getting a boost through government support. To increase farmers' income and promote scientific farming, the state government is offering subsidies on improved sesame seed varieties. The Agriculture Department is also guiding farmers with modern cultivation techniques to improve yields and reduce input costs.
The government has approved six high-yielding sesame varieties for subsidy under a seed promotion scheme. These varieties include:
RT-346
RT-351
Gujarat Sesame-6
RT-372
MT-2013-3
BUAT Sesame-1
These varieties are known for better yield and superior quality. To help reduce farming costs, seeds of these varieties are provided to farmers at a subsidized rate of ₹95 per kg.
For better yield, sesame should be grown in hot and dry climates. Ideal soil types include well-drained loamy or light sandy loam soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The sowing season in Kharif extends till the last week of July.
Row distance: 30 to 45 cm
Plant distance: 10 to 15 cm
Before sowing, seeds should be treated with pesticides like thiram or carbendazim to prevent soil-borne diseases. Organic treatment with Trichoderma is also helpful.
To protect the sesame crop:
Weed control: Use pendimethalin spray after sowing.
Irrigation: Generally not needed in the rainy season, but essential during the flowering and grain filling stages.
Fungal diseases: Spray thiophanate methyl or carbendazim for stem and fruit rot; mancozeb or copper oxychloride for leaf blight.
Pest control: Use quinalphos or dimethoate sprays to prevent insect damage and yield loss.
Sesame should be harvested when 70–80% of the pods turn yellow. After harvesting, dry the crop properly before threshing.
Traditional yield: 4 to 6 quintals per hectare
Scientific yield: 8 to 12 quintals per hectare
This increase in yield can help farmers earn approximately ₹1 lakh per hectare.
Sesame is cultivated on nearly 5 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif season. It is ideal for low-rainfall areas and uneven land. The government support includes:
Subsidy on seeds: ₹95 per kg
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sesame increased to ₹9846 per quintal
This MSP hike is a significant benefit for farmers, ensuring better returns.
Sesame is rich in nutrition:
Protein: 20.9%
Fat: 53.5% (cholesterol-free)
Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, B11
Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc
Sesame has anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and blood pressure/blood sugar control properties. Ayurveda also recommends its daily use. The oil quality of sesame is high, offering additional health benefits.
The Agriculture Department notes that unused or fallow lands in Uttar Pradesh can now be used for sesame farming, especially through micro irrigation methods. This offers farmers an extra source of income.
For assistance and more information, farmers can contact the Krishi Vigyan Kendra or the District Agriculture Officer in their area.
The government's focus on sesame cultivation with subsidies and scientific support offers a profitable and sustainable opportunity for farmers. With improved varieties, better farming methods, and assured prices, sesame can become a key crop for increasing farm income.