Sesame, one of the world’s oldest oilseed crops, is highly valued for its oil content, nutritional benefits, and economic importance. In India, different agro-climatic zones demand region-specific sesame varieties to ensure optimal productivity and resilience. For sesame growers in Haryana, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh, selecting the right variety—alongside proper cultivation practices—can significantly improve yields, disease resistance, and profitability.
Recommended Sesame Varieties by State
Haryana
The agro-climatic conditions of Haryana are well-suited for sesame, especially varieties that offer early maturity, high oil content, and disease resistance.
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Haryana Til-1, released in 1978, is a white-seeded variety that matures in about 85 to 90 days. It delivers an average yield of 700–750 kg per hectare and has an oil content of 48–50%. Its early maturity is ideal for the state’s short growing season, and it shows strong resistance to leaf curl disease.
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Haryana Til-2, introduced in 2012, is another white-seeded option with similar maturity and oil content. Known for its resilience, it provides good resistance to both phyllody and leaf curl, making it dependable under Haryana’s fluctuating climate.
Bihar
In Bihar, the Krishna variety has proven effective under local conditions, particularly in rainfed areas. This black-seeded variety, released in 1989, is favored for its market appeal and strong resistance to Alternaria leaf spot. It matures in about 88 to 95 days and offers an average yield of 700–750 kg per hectare, with an oil content of 45–48%.
Himachal Pradesh
Tailored to the cooler, mountainous conditions of Himachal Pradesh, Brijeshwari is a white bold-seeded variety introduced in 2001. It matures within 85 to 90 days and delivers higher yields—around 800–850 kg per hectare. With an oil content of 48–52%, it is known for excellent oil extraction quality. The plant’s medium-tall structure and spreading branches help maximize sunlight capture and resilience under stress.
Best Practices for Sesame Cultivation
Effective cultivation involves a combination of land management, timely sowing, nutrient application, and pest control. Here are the essential practices:
Land Preparation
Deep plowing during summer improves soil aeration, while leveling the field helps prevent waterlogging. Incorporating 5–10 tons of decomposed farmyard manure per hectare enriches the soil’s fertility.
Sowing Time and Method
The ideal sowing window for sesame in these regions is the second fortnight of July during the Kharif season. Seed rates differ by method: 5 kg per hectare for broadcasting and 2.5–3 kg for line sowing. Maintain a spacing of either 30 × 15 cm or 45 × 10 cm, depending on the variety. Prior to sowing, seeds should be treated to prevent fungal infections using Thiram (2 g/kg) combined with Carbendazim (1 g/kg), or alternatively, Trichoderma viride (5 g/kg).
Fertilizer Management
A balanced fertilizer regime is key to achieving optimal yields. Apply 40 kg/ha of nitrogen, 20 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium, and 15–20 kg/ha of sulfur. At sowing, use all phosphorus and potassium, along with half the nitrogen. The remaining nitrogen should be top-dressed around 30–35 days after sowing, during the flowering phase.
Weed Control
Weed competition is most critical in the first 40 days. Manual weeding should be done twice—first at 15–20 days after sowing, and again at 30–35 days. As a preventive measure, apply Pendimethalin (1 kg a.i./ha) as a pre-emergence herbicide.
Irrigation Needs
Although sesame is primarily grown under rainfed conditions in these states, timely irrigation can boost productivity. The most critical stages for watering are flowering and capsule formation. However, excessive moisture should be avoided, as sesame is sensitive to water stress.
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests include the leaf roller, capsule borer, gall fly, and jassids. Key diseases include Phytophthora blight, Macrophomina root rot, bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, and phyllody. Management strategies involve growing resistant varieties, timely application of appropriate fungicides and insecticides, and practicing crop rotation to break disease cycles.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Sesame should be harvested when the bottom capsules turn lemon yellow and the leaves begin to droop. Delayed harvesting can lead to seed shattering and loss. After harvest, proper drying of the plants is essential to maintain seed quality and improve storage longevity.
Comparative Overview of Sesame Varieties for Haryana, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh
|
State |
Variety |
Seed Yield (kg/ha) |
Oil Content (%) |
Maturity Days |
Key Features |
|
Haryana |
Haryana Til-1 |
700-750 |
48-50 |
85-90 |
White seeds, early maturing, resistant to leaf curl disease |
|
Haryana Til-2 |
650-750 |
48-50 |
85-90 |
White seeds, tolerant to phyllody and leaf curl disease |
|
|
Bihar |
Krishna |
700-750 |
45-48 |
88-95 |
Black seeds, resistant to Alternaria leaf spot |
|
Himachal Pradesh |
Brijeshwari |
800-850 |
48-52 |
85-90 |
White bold seeds, medium-tall plant with spreading branches |
Sesame farming in Haryana, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh offers significant potential for farmers seeking high-yield, high-profit crops. Choosing improved, location-specific varieties like Haryana Til-1, Haryana Til-2, Krishna, and Brijeshwari can help farmers optimize production and oil quality.
By adopting modern agricultural practices—from seed treatment to timely irrigation and pest control—growers can enhance their resilience against climate and pest challenges. With growing domestic and export demand for sesame, these practices lay a strong foundation for sustainable and profitable cultivation across diverse agro-climatic zones.
