Aurangabad, Dec 21:
As Sankranti approaches, sesame prices have started rising. At present, sesame is being sold at Rs 160 per kg. The prices have gone up by Rs 40 per kg throughout the year. The returning rains have hit sesame production hard and quality has declined. Stained sesame seeds are coming in large quantities in the market. The price of good quality sesame might rise during Sankranti.
Where do sesame seeds come from
Sesame is grown in very few states in the country. These include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Maharashtra. Sesame comes to Aurangabad from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Why rates increase
The returning rains caused severe damage to crops across the country. Thus sesame production declined by 25 per cent and the country is expected to produce around 3.25 lakh metric tonnes of sesame.
Buy sesame before Sankranti
The quality of sesame has deteriorated due to rains. The inflow of good quality sesame is declining. By Sankranti, sesame prices are likely to go up by another Rs 5 to 10 per kg.
No sesame crop in the district
Sesame is a very sensitive crop. It needs 600-700 mm rain during the crop growth period. When the temperature rises above 40 degrees, the flowers fall off. The crop also requires medium and heavy soil that is fertile and well drained. Sesame is not grown in the district as farmers tend to grow maize, cotton, tur and soybean.
Price of sesame (per kg)
January : Rs 120
February : Rs 120
March : Rs 130
April : Rs 130
May : Rs 130
June : Rs 140
July : Rs 140
August : Rs 140
September : Rs 140
October : Rs 150
November : Rs 150
December : Rs 160