Cultivation of Til (Sesame / Sesamum indicum). Till Cultivation

Origin:

Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity. It is believed to have originated either in Africa or the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India where historical records suggest it was cultivated over 4000 years ago. Its origin dates back to ancient civilizations that used the crop for both culinary and medicinal purposes. India and China have long been the traditional centers of sesame cultivation, contributing significantly to the genetic diversity of this crop.

Geographical Distribution in India:

Major sesame-producing states in India include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and West Bengal. Among these, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh lead in terms of total area and production. It is cultivated in both kharif and summer seasons depending on regional climatic conditions. Coastal states like Tamil Nadu and Odisha also grow sesame as a rabi crop.

Economic Importance:

Sesame seeds have significant economic value due to their versatile applications:

• Sesame seeds contain approximately 50% oil and 25% protein, making them a nutrient-dense crop.
• They are widely used in edible oil production, confectionery items, bakery products, and Ayurvedic medicine.
• Sesame oil is used for cooking, cosmetics, massage, and in the pharmaceutical industry due to its medicinal properties.
• The by-product, sesame oil cake, is used as nutritious cattle feed and organic manure.
• Sesame seeds have a high export value, making them an important foreign exchange earner for India.

Soil and Climatic Requirements:

Soil: Sesame performs well in well-drained, fertile loamy to sandy loam soils with a neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5). It is sensitive to waterlogging and acidic soils.
Climate: Sesame requires a warm climate and thrives best at temperatures between 25°C to 35°C. It requires bright sunshine during its growth period. The crop is suitable for cultivation in both kharif and summer seasons. However, extreme cold, continuous rainfall, and frost are harmful to the crop.

Land Preparation:

Land should be well-prepared to provide a fine seedbed. It involves:

• One deep ploughing followed by 2-3 harrowings to break clods and level the land.
• Incorporation of well-decomposed FYM or compost @ 10-15 tonnes/ha during the final land preparation enhances soil fertility and structure.
• Fields should be leveled properly to avoid water stagnation.

Varieties Developed in India:

Various high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties have been developed in India to suit different agro-climatic zones:

• Gujarat Til 1, 2, 3
• Tapi (Gujarat)
• Krishna
• RT 125 (Rajasthan)
• T 78
• VRI (SV) 1
• Prachi (Odisha)

These varieties differ in duration, seed color, oil content, and tolerance to pests and diseases.

Seed Requirement:

• For line sowing: 3 to 4 kg/ha
• For broadcasting: 5 to 6 kg/ha

Seed rate may vary slightly depending on variety and sowing method. Treated seeds ensure better germination and protection against seed-borne diseases.

Sowing Time:

• Kharif (rainfed): June to July with the onset of monsoon
• Rabi (in South India): October to November
• Summer crop: February to March (after harvesting rabi crops)

Timely sowing ensures better establishment and yield.

Cropping Systems:

Sesame is an ideal component in various cropping systems:

• Intercropping: Sesame + pigeon pea, sesame + groundnut, sesame + maize
• Sequential cropping: Sesame followed by wheat, chickpea, mustard or vegetables

These systems help improve soil fertility, pest management, and income.

Fertilizer Requirements:

For optimum yield:

• Nitrogen: 30–40 kg/ha
• Phosphorus: 20–30 kg/ha
• Potash: 20 kg/ha (based on soil test)

Application of micronutrients like zinc is beneficial in deficient soils. Half nitrogen and full phosphorus should be applied at sowing, and the remaining nitrogen at flowering.

Water Requirements:

Sesame is mainly grown under rainfed conditions. However, when irrigated:

• Requires 2–3 irrigations during critical stages like flowering and capsule formation.
• Avoid waterlogging, which severely affects plant growth.
• First irrigation should be given 25–30 days after sowing.

Weed Management:

Weed control is crucial during the initial growth stages:

• First weeding: 15–20 days after sowing (DAS)
• Second weeding: 35–40 DAS
• Use of pre-emergence herbicide Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha helps in controlling early weeds.
• Intercultivation and mulching can also be practiced.

Diseases and Their Management:

• Leaf spot (Cercospora spp.): Spray Mancozeb @ 2.0 g/litre water at 10-day intervals.
• Phyllody (Mycoplasma): Control jassid vector using Dimethoate @ 2 ml/litre. Rogue out infected plants.
• Root rot: Use seed treatment with Trichoderma viride or Carbendazim before sowing.

Insect Pests and Their Management:

• Leaf roller and capsule borer: Spray Spinosad @ 1.5 ml/litre.
• Gall fly: Apply Dimethoate or Imidacloprid.
• Jassids and Thrips: Spray neem-based biopesticides or systemic insecticides like Acephate.

Regular monitoring and integrated pest management (IPM) practices help minimize losses.

Harvesting and Threshing:

• Harvest when most of the capsules turn yellow and begin to dry and split.
• Plants are cut at ground level and stacked for drying in the sun for 4–5 days.
• Threshing is done by beating with sticks or using mechanical threshers.

Yield:

• Rainfed conditions: 5–7 quintals/ha
• Irrigated with improved practices: 8–10 quintals/ha

High-yielding varieties and good management practices can significantly increase productivity.

Post-Harvest Operations:

• Seeds are thoroughly cleaned and dried to a moisture level of 8% before storage.
• Stored in airtight bags or containers in cool, dry places to avoid pest infestation.
• Oil extraction is done using mechanical expellers or traditional methods like ghani.
• Oil cake is rich in protein and used as cattle feed or organic fertilizer.
• Graded seeds with uniform size and color fetch higher prices in domestic and international markets.