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Sesame Production Practices In Pakistan

Posted by Unknown in , , , on Sunday, 27 January 2013


Introduction
Sesame or "til" is the most ancient crop cultivated for its oil in the sub-continent. Its seeds contain between 50 and 58 % of very good semi-drying oil, mostly with oleic and linoleic triglycerides. Its oil is stable and does not rancid even after long exposure to air. Sesame oil contains about 22 % and the cake about 42 % protein. Sesame oil is used as foods (cooking and salad), medicine and soap manufacturing etc. Its seeds and young leaves are eaten as stews and soaps in Asia.
In Pakistan, the average area under sesame was 30300 hectares during 1985-90, whereas the average yield was 395 kg/ha. In the year of 1992-93, the area and production increased upto 82200 hectors and 34000 tons/ha and yield was 414 kg/ha. During 1996-97, both the area and production of sesame again increased to the tune of 99500 hectares and 45000 tons/ha and yield also increased to 452 kg/ha. During 1998-99 the area and production decreased upto 20 % while yield kg/ha remained the same as in previous years. According to FAO estimates, Honduras and Egypt are the leading countries producing yield of 1267 and 1063 kg/ha, respectively. It has been proved in the country and abroad that the yield potential of the "til" cultivars is upto 2000 kg/ha. Therefore, the farmers must increase the area under this crop and adopt below mentioned technology recommendations to boost per unit area productivity of sesame in the Pakistan.
Improved Production Technology
Climate
Sesame is mostly grown on light sandier soil as rain-irrigated crop in the semi arid tropics and require high temperature of 35-40 C for vegetative and reproductive growth. This crop can mainly be grown in kharif season, and is very sensitive to excessive rainfall and water logging.
Land Selection
lthough sesame grows best on high fertilize soils, yet most suitable soils are those that posses the following properties:
- Sandy soil free from hard pans,
- good Texture soil,
- Unlikely to crust after rain
- Acid free soil
- Not prompt to water logging
Seedbed Preparation
After soaking irrigation or rain, 2-3 ploughings and 1-2 planking are enough to prepare fine level seed beds to ensure even seed germination.
Sowing Time
As kharif crop, the following sowing times are observed throughout the country for sesame cultivations:
- Punjab  Ist July - 31st July
- Sindh   15th June - 15th July
- NWFP 15th June - 31st July
- Balochistan Ist July - 31st July
Seed Rate
Optimum planting density (222000 plants/ha) or 22 plants per meter is very important for high yields. To ensure good germination and crop establishment, seeds with germination percentage of 85-90 % must be planted. The optimum seed rate is recommended as under:
a) Line sowing 5 kg/ha (2 klg per acre)
b) Broadcasting 8 kg/ha (3 kg per acre)
Los of 100 plants per hectare results in loss of 30 rupees per hectare
Method of Planting
a. Hand Drill/ wheat drill
- Drill the seed in lines (45 cm apart) in good moisture (water) condition. Ensure that seed placement should be at depth of 2-2/12 cm.
b. Tractor mounted Drill
In case of Tractor mounted drill, prior to sowing, check the drill thoroughly and tractor speed should not exceed 8 km/hour to avoid the uneven sowing depth and seed placement.
Sowing Depth
Surface moisture influences the sowing depth and ultimately the seed germination. To achieve satisfactory germination, shallow depth of 2-2 1/2 cm is recommended. Deep sowing will result in poor emergence. As the temperature in Kharif season (June , July) is near 40 C, seed depth can be maintained at 3.5 cm (1 1/2 inch) to avoid drying effect and ultimately better plant emergence.
Fertilizer
Soil fertility is the major manageable factor in sesame production. Nutrient balance is of vital importance. To achieve the best results, apply the fertilizers as mentioned below:
a. Urea (1/2 bag) + DAP (1 bag)/ acre or,
b. Urea (1/2 bag)+ Nitrophos (1 bag)/ acre
Apply either combination prior to sowing
Irrigation
Usually 3-4 irrigation are required during whole season. Number of irrigation varies with the environmental conditions. In case of no rain, first irrigation should be give at 15-20 days after sowing(DAS). Second irrigation be also given after 30-40 DAS. Third irrigation at the time of flowering, because the irrigation at flowering, capsule formation and seed development is necessary to avoid moisture stress at these stages in order to ensure better yield formation.
Thinning and Hoeing
Plant emergence takes about 5-6 days after sowing. When the plants attain height of 10-15 cm, single out the weak and diseases plants by keeping 10 cm spacing between plants following 222000 plants/ha. First hoeing is done after 15-20 days and second after 30 days of germination with khurpa or Tarphali.
Improved Varieties
The following commercial sesame varieties should be planted.
- Pb.Til-90, - P-37-40, - Til-93,
- S-17, - PR-19-9, - Ts-3
In addition, there are various promising and improved pipeline varieties developed by Oilseed Res Programme at National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad. These include:
Rattodero-1, Rattodero-2, Sanghar-1, Johi-1, VCR No.5, S-209.
The yield potential of these improved varieties is upto 1800 kg/ha.
Weed Control
During the first few weeks after emergence, the sesame seedlings are very sensitive to weeds, hence an effective weed control measure is vital during this period. Different types of perennial grasses, like Khabbal, Baroo and annual broad leaved weeds like Cholai, Hazardani, Bakhra and Tandlla compete the crop in rainfed as well as irrigated areas. These weeds can easily be controlled by adopting cultural methods (crop rotation and tillage practices) and chemical weed methods depending on weed species, degree of infestation and weather pattern etc. However reemergence herbicide (Stomp 330 E) @ 1.48 ai kg/ha can be used before germination and is very effective in controlling wide range of grasses and broad leaf weeds.
Crop Rotation
As sesame is a deep root crop and needs high level of fertility. Therefore, in rotation leguminous crops like Mung and Mash should be included along with sesame as under:
  • Sesame Wheat Mong
  • Sesame Wheat Mash

Harvesting and Thrashing
Sesame crop matures in about 100-=120 days. The crop must be harvested in time to avoid losses in yield due to shattering. The crop should be harvested when 75 % capsules are ripened and become (yellow colored). Make bundles and stalked upright for drying. In this way the capsules get nutrient and the seeds develops fully. One week after harvesting, thrashing should be done in clear weather so that seeds could also be dried prior to storage with at least 10 % moisture content.
Seed Production
If the farmer follow all the recommendations as mentioned above, seed yield of 1000-1200 kg/ha that amounts to Rs.50-60 thousand /ha can very easily be produced. However, the commercial varieties of sesame have yield potential of about 1500 kg/ha. These new high yielding and promising varieties are nearly to be released for general cultivation to the farmers through out the country.
Diseases of Sesame
The followings are the major diseases in sesame:
- Charcoal rot
- Alternaria leaf spot
- Bacterial leaf spot
- Bacterial blight
- Phyllody
- Root wilting
Control Measures:
The diseases management programme should include the following methods:
a. Use healthy seed of resistant varieties
b. Prior to sowing, treat the seed with one of the systemic fungicides, (captafol, Therain, Dithane M-45 and Benlate) @ 2-3 gm/kg of seed to protect from fungal diseases.
c. Use proper cultural practices (rotation and tillage)
d. spray the crop with captafol, Dithane- M45 @ 1 kg/acre in 100 liter of water and Tecto and Benlate @ 500 gm/acre after 10-15 days interval for bacterial disease, spray streptocycline @ 0.3 gm in 100 liters (25 gallon) of water/ha. Treat the seeds before planting with antibiotics (streptomycin @ 100 ppm).
Major Insects
In general sesame is not damaged by insects. However, the main insects of sesame crops as under:
- Whitefly - Leaf roller
- Til gallfly - Til Hawk moth
Chemical Control
For the control of larvae of leaf roller, till hawk moth, whitefly and leaf hopper, spray Dimecron 100 % @ 200 to 250 ml/acre or Methyl Parathion @ 350 to 500 m/acre or Somicidin 20 EC @ 250 ml/acre or Karate @ 250-300 ml/acre mixed in 100 to 150 liters of water at 10-15 days interval, two times in case the attack is sever. In case of cutworms, spray with Lorsban @ 400 ml ai/acre, Sevin @ 800 gm ai/acre or Sumicidin @ 120 ml ai/acre.
Source: Pakistan Agriculture Research Council

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Sesame seed exports require right image-building

Posted by Unknown in , , , , on Sunday, 9 September 2012


M.E.Jalbani

The exact origin of sesame plant has been lost in history, but evidence of the plant's cultivation goes as far back as the time of Prophet Moses. Asia and Africa are believed to be the earliest homes of the plant.

The Chinese used sesame seeds some 5,000 years ago for preparation of ink blocks. In ancient Egypt, the seeds were ground and used as grain flour. Evidence suggests that the plant had been in cultivation in areas now comprising Pakistan as early as 3,500 years B.C.

Varieties: There are several varieties of sesame plant in the world. Over one score commercial varieties are cultivated in Pakistan alone. The plant grows from 2 to 9 feet in height, depending on variety. It bears capsules, which contain seeds.

The seeds are about one inch long and have a flattened pear shape. The colour of seeds varies from pure black to creamy white to pure white and red. The size of the seed, its hardness, taste, colour, oil content and power of resistance to pests are factors, which depend on the variety.

Uses: Sesame seed is rich in fat, protein, carbohydrates, fibre and some minerals. The aroma and taste of the seed are mild and delicious. It has a nut-like slightly sweet flavour. It is used mainly as a food ingredient in whole, broken, crushed, shelled, powdered and paste forms.

The whole seed is extensively used in the Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. A typical halvah is made from crushed, roasted and sweetened seeds. Some people believe that due to considerable presence of niacins (8.9 mg per 100 grams), the seed assists against ageing of the human body.

In view of this, a liquid sesame product is prepared and drunk by both, men and women, in the Middle East for rejuvenation of mental and physical capacities. In the USA and Europe, the seeds are used to flavour and garnish various foods, particularly bread, cookies, snacks, biscuits, sweets and other delicacies.

Oil content: A prized oil is extracted from sesame seeds. Normally, the oil constituent is from 40 to 60 percent. This king of oil seeds is renowned for its stability.

It strongly resists oxidative rancidity even after long exposure to air. It is used in cooking and salad dressings. It is also used in the manufacture of soaps, pharmaceuticals and lubricants. It has some uses in cosmetics and skin care industries.

World output: The world production of sesame seeds in 1999 was 3.38 million tonnes, which increased to 3.62 million tonnes in 2000, showing a growth of 6.3%. China, India, Sudan, Myanmar, Uganda, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tanzania, Mexico, Thailand and Egypt, in that order of rank, are the top-twelve producers of this seed. Between 80 to 85 percent of world's total annual production comes from the above leading countries.

Production in Pakistan: In Pakistan, sesame seeds were cultivated on over 100,000 hectares of land during 2001-2002. Total production that year was 50.7 thousand tonnes. Per hectare yield of the seed is the highest in Balochistan among all provinces of the country.

While Pakistan's overall average yield in 2000-2001 was 502 kgs per hectare, that in Balochistan was 556 kgs per hectare. Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Chichawatni and Leiah in Punjab; Tharparkar, Sanghar, Khairpur, Ghotki and Dadu in Sindh; Sibi and Nasirabad in Balochistan; and D.I. Khan in NWFP are main sesame seed growing areas in the country.

Pakistan's exports: Pakistan exported about 46 thousand tonnes of this seed to over thirty countries throughout the world in 2001-2002. Turkey, South Korea, Japan and Syria are our most important importers.

The country exported nearly fifteen thousand tonnes to Turkey, 9.5 thousand tonnes to South Korea, close to 6.5 thousand tonnes to Japan and 5.6 thousand tonnes to Syria. Other significant importers are the Netherlands, the UK and Singapore. Apart from these major importers, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Germany and Cyprus etc. also make considerable purchases from this country.

Global imports: World imports of this king of all seeds totalled well over 0.6 million tonne in 1999. Global imports increased to 0.73 million tonne in 2000, indicating a rise of about 20%.

Japan is the single largest buyer of sesame seeds in the world. The country imported 164 thousand tonnes of seeds in 2000. The second largest importer is Egypt. Her imports in 2000 totalled 85.9 thousand tonnes. South Korea and the USA rank third and fourth respectively, with imports in 2000 equal to 70 thousand tonnes and over 49 thousand tonnes. Fifth in the world, the Netherlands is the largest buyer in Europe. It imported 32.33 thousand tonnes in 2000.

Other major importers include China (39.5 thousand tonnes), Syria (29.9 thousand tonnes), Saudi Arabia (20.00 thousand tonnes), Greece (19.30 thousand tonnes), Israel (18.6 thousand tonnes), Mexico (17.5 thousand tonnes) and Germany (17.3 thousand tonnes).

For getting better prices and enhancing the market share, right image-building is necessary. Higher quality of the product should be maintained. Only scientifically treated, properly cleaned, washed, dried, colour-sorted, size-graded, impurities-free seeds with appropriate oil contents not less than 40% packed according to international standards may be exported. Over-commitment should always be avoided.

There is a world of difference between the prices of raw sesame seeds and the oil. The private sector entrepreneurs may, therefore, set up sesame oil extracting plants in the country to ensure that a larger portion of the crop is exported in higher value added form.

Our sesame seed production in 2000-2001 totalled 50.7 thousand tonnes and exports that year were to the tune of about 46 thousand tonnes. This means that well over 90% of our annual produce is exported. Global import figures show that world demand for sesame seed is increasing substantially.

This is a great opportunity. We may increase our supply in order to meet the growing demand. Though small, sesame seed is not insignificant. Presently, the crop is cultivated in semi-arid areas and mostly is left at the mercy of the nature, as far as its irrigation is concerned. There is an acute shortage of the crop, when there are little or no rain.

This results in inconsistent supply, which badly affects our export markets. For establishing ourselves as regular and reliable source of supply in international market place we must take necessary measures to ensure that the supply is no more disturbed.

This could only be done by (i) increasing our per hectare yield and (ii) bringing more land under useful sesame cultivation mainly in the rain-fed regions of the country. In order to gainfully utilise rain water in such areas, smaller but several water reservoirs may be built at suitable places, preferably near the slopes of the hills and sand-dunes, in all barani areas, across the country for collecting and storing rain water.

Water from these reservoirs may be released to the farmers, when hit by drought so that profitable export-oriented crops could be cultivated on the vast tracts of land, which presently lie idle due to lack of irrigation water. Also, for achieving the above objectives, improved sesame varieties, which are high yielding, better in quality, richer in oil content, earlier ripening, disease-free, drought and pest-resistant may be developed by agriculture research institutes of the country and released to the farmers for cultivation.

The total value of Pakistan's sesame seed exports in 2001-2002 was more than Rupees one billion, which is equal to over 19.8 million dollars. Though there are quite many players in the field, yet the role of farmers in this regard is primary and pivotal.

Adequate returns for their toil must be guaranteed. It is necessary that farmers and active exporters are put in direct contact with each other. This will benefit both. As a result of direct purchase from the right source, the exporters will get the commodity at attractive rates.

The exercise will simultaneously, ensure appropriate incomes for the agriculturists, as they would be selling direct to exporters. For this purpose, vertical match-making conferences of the stakeholders may be held in the country every year, preferably before the beginning of the sowing season enabling the concerned ones to plan accordingly.


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