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Kharif / Summer (Zaid) • High-Grade Oilseed
Sesame / Gingelly (Tal / Til)
Sesamum indicum
Gujarat is India’s top producer of white and black sesame (exported globally for tahini and confectionery). Extremely short duration crop.
Optimal Temperature
24°C - 35°C
Ideal Soil Moisture
30% - 50%
Daily Sunlight
8+ Hours/day
Growth Cycle
80 - 100 days
Soil Type & Fertilizer Ratios
Recommended Soil:
Well-drained light loamy or sandy loam soils. Unsuitable for waterlogged clay.
Recommended NPK Ratio:50:25:0 kg/ha
Irrigation Scheduling & Water Requirements
Summer crop requires 4-5 irrigations: Branching (20 DAS), Flowering (35 DAS), and Capsule formation (50 DAS).
Common Pests & Disease Vulnerabilities
- Phyllody (Mycoplasma transmitted by leafhoppers)
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Antigastra Leaf and Pod Caterpillar
- Macrophomina Root Rot
Optimal Harvesting Signs & Post-Harvest Handling
Harvest when leaves and stems turn yellow and lower capsules start splitting open at base.