Increase Earnings through High-Producing, Disease-Resistant Sesame Varieties: A Wise Decision for Farmers in Punjab
In Punjab, India, the sesame crop holds significant promise for both local consumption and export markets, as global demand continues to rise. To maximise yield and seed quality, farmers are encouraged to adopt modern cultivation techniques and utilise scientifically developed varieties.
### Recommended Sesame Varieties in Punjab
One of the promising varieties developed by the Punjab Agricultural University is PAU 1691. This variety matures in about 136 days and gives an average seed yield of 4.8 quintals per acre, higher than other common varieties like Narendra Sanai 1. Other varieties, developed for higher yield, better plant architecture, and disease resistance, are also being utilised in Indian sesame breeding programs, although specific Punjab varieties beyond PAU 1691 are not detailed explicitly.
### Agronomic Practices for Yield Improvement
#### Soil and Fertilizer Management
Sesame thrives well in sandy loam soils, which are common in partially irrigated areas of Punjab. For fertiliser application, basal doses can sometimes be skipped if more than 6 tonnes per acre of good quality farmyard manure have been used in preceding maize crops. Urea application is recommended in split doses, with one-third of the urea applied at the pre-tasseling stage to optimise nutrient availability.
#### Weed Control
Weeds compete vigorously with sesame, especially under rainy conditions, reducing yields significantly. Proper and timely weed control—from planting until harvesting—is critical. Practices include manual weeding or using cover crops like fodder cowpea between sesame rows to suppress weed growth.
#### Crop Management
Planting in rows with appropriate spacing enhances air circulation and light penetration, reducing pest and disease pressure. Intercropping or crop rotation with crops like mungbean can be beneficial for soil health and pest management.
### Additional Breeding Advances
Sesame breeding efforts focus on traits such as higher yield, disease/pest resistance, and improved plant architecture. The crop is mainly self-pollinating but does exhibit some cross-pollination, which breeders use to introduce beneficial traits.
### Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care
Harvesting should begin when the lower seed capsules turn yellow and the plant's leaves start to droop, and plants should be thoroughly dried before threshing to preserve seed quality and minimise post-harvest losses.
Adopting these recommendations tailored to Punjab's agro-climatic conditions aims to enhance sesame productivity sustainably. Effective pest and disease management, seed treatment, and irrigation during critical stages are also crucial for a successful sesame crop. These improvements not only promote sustainable agricultural practices in Punjab but also unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen the state's agricultural landscape.
In the context of Punjab's sesame farming, farmers could consider adopting modern business strategies to maximise their financial returns, perhaps collaborating with local financial institutions to secure loans for implementing improved cultivation techniques and utilising high-yield sesame varieties such as PAU 1691. Additionally, savvy businesses could explore export opportunities for sesame, considering the rise in global demand and potential profits from selling surplus crops.
