About Sesame
Sesame (til, gingelly) is a high-value oilseed. India is among the largest exporters of sesame seed, and gingelly oil is the traditional cooking oil of Tamil Nadu.
Where Sesame Is Grown in Gujarat
The main sesame districts of Gujarat are Amreli, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Kutch. Gujarat is India's leading producer of groundnut, cotton, castor, cumin and isabgol, and a big grower of wheat, bajra, potato, banana, mango, sesame and onion. Its market yards in Unjha, Gondal, Rajkot and Deesa are among India's busiest, and its ports handle much of India's agri exports.
Season in Gujarat
Kharif in most states; summer crop in Gujarat and West Bengal. Exact arrival dates in Gujarat depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Sesame Is Sold in Gujarat
Farm produce is sold through regulated APMC market yards under the state's agricultural produce marketing law, run by the state agricultural marketing board, with many yards linked to eNAM. Gujarat's large market yards are known for organised auctions and modern facilities.
Other major markets in Gujarat
- UnjhaJeera, isabgol, fennelAboutExplore
- Gondal and RajkotGroundnut, cotton, chilliAboutExplore
- DeesaPotato, castorAboutExplore
- MahuvaOnion for dehydrationAboutExplore
- Jamnagar and JunagadhGroundnut, garlicAboutExplore
Government Buying in Gujarat
MSP announced. In Gujarat, buying is organised through the agencies below, usually at procurement centres in or near the mandis during the harvest window. Farmers register in advance, and payment is made to their bank accounts.
- Gujarat State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- Gujarat State Civil Supplies CorporationGrain procurementAboutExplore
- GUJCOMASOLState cooperative marketingAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Natural sesame is graded by purity (99/1, 98/2 and so on), colour and free fatty acid content; hulled sesame by whiteness and purity (often 99.95 per cent). Export lots are tested for salmonella and pesticide residues, and must be steam-sterilised for many buyers.
Indian sesame prices follow the size of the Gujarat and West Bengal crops, competition from African suppliers such as Sudan and Nigeria, and demand from China, Korea, Japan and the Middle East. Rain damage at harvest causes discoloured seed and lower prices.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export sesame across India, including from Gujarat. Tap a name for details.
- Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA)Mumbai · edible oil and oilmeal industry body; publishes import and export dataAboutExplore
- Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)Export promotion for groundnut, sesame and other oilseedsAboutExplore
- National Mission on Edible Oils – OilseedsGovernment mission to raise oilseed output and cut importsAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Gujarat
New varieties, crop advice and seed for sesame growers in Gujarat come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Anand Agricultural UniversityAnandAboutExplore
- Junagadh Agricultural UniversityJunagadhAboutExplore
- Navsari Agricultural UniversityNavsariAboutExplore
- Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural UniversityBanaskanthaAboutExplore
Sesame in Other States
West Bengal · Rajasthan · Madhya Pradesh · Uttar Pradesh · Odisha · Tamil Nadu
Related: Sesame – all India · Gujarat · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer