Pre-sowing forecast: TNAU estimates price of quality black sesame to be ₹140-₹145 a kg

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), in its pre-sowing forecast for sesame, has worked out the price of good quality black sesame to be in the range of ₹140-₹145 a kg at the time of harvest.To arrive at the price, the Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (DEMIC) of the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, TNAU, analysed the rates that prevailed at the Sivagiri Regulated Market of Erode district over the past 25 years.One of the important oilseed crops cultivated in India and valued for its high-quality edible oil and nutritional properties, sesame is cultivated under both kharif and rabi seasons in India. The crop is known for its high drought tolerance.In Tamil Nadu, the crop is cultivated in Kallakurichi, Erode, Cuddalore, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Karur and Ariyalur districts. Along with Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are the major sesame-growing States in the country.Sesame production during 2024-25 was 0.34 lakh tonnes from an area of about 0.47 lakh hectares. This pegged the average productivity at 428 kg per hectare, a TNAU press release said.White and black sesame seeds are popular, though a few other varieties, with colour varying from red to brown, are also available in the State. Brown and black seeds are preferred for oil extraction, while white sesame is mainly used in confectionery.Citing trade sources, the TNAU release said the price levels could vary depending on monsoon performance and the volume of arrivals from other sesame growing States.For Marketing information details, contact DEMIC, Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003. Phone: 0422-2431405. Email id: tndemic@gmail.com. Published - August 24, 2026 08:03 pm IST