Introduction: The Ancient Oilseed
Sesame, locally known as Gingelly or Nuvvulu, is one of the oldest oilseed crops cultivated in Andhra Pradesh. It is primarily grown for its high-quality edible oil and seeds, which are a staple in Indian cuisine and traditional sweets. The state is a significant contributor to India’s sesame production.
1. Importance and Ranking
Niche Oilseed Crop: While not as vast as groundnut or castor, sesame holds a special place as a traditional, high-value oilseed. Andhra Pradesh is one of the leading sesame-producing states in India.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Sesame seeds are rich in high-quality oil (45-55%), protein (18-25%), antioxidants, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Cultural Significance: The seeds are used in various traditional sweets like chikki, laddu, and revdi, and the oil is used for cooking and in ceremonial lamps.
2. Major Growing Regions
Sesame is typically grown as a rain-fed crop in the drier districts, often in rotation with other crops.
Prakasam District: A major producer, with significant area under sesame cultivation.
Kurnool District: Another key district in the Rayalaseema region.
Anantapur District: Grown in its semi-arid tracts.
Guntur District: Has a notable presence of sesame cultivation.
Other Districts: Also cultivated in parts of Y.S.R. (Kadapa), Nellore, and Chittoor.
3. Agro-Climatic Conditions and Varieties
Climate: Sesame is a warm-season crop that is highly drought-tolerant. It requires a hot climate during its growth and a dry period for ripening and harvest.
Soil: It grows best in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam to loamy soils. Good drainage is critical as it cannot withstand waterlogging.
Rainfall: It is well-suited for regions with an annual rainfall of 500-650 mm. Excessive rain during flowering or harvesting can be detrimental.
Cropping Systems:
Pure Crop: Grown exclusively in a field.
Intercropping: Very commonly intercropped with other Kharif crops like Red Gram (Tur), Cotton, and Sorghum (Jowar). This practice spreads risk and maximizes land use.
Popular Varieties:
High-Yielding Varieties: Madhavi, Swetha, Gowri, YLM 11, YLM 66, TKG 22.
Drought-Tolerant Varieties: Several local and improved varieties are chosen for their ability to withstand dry spells.
White-Seeded Varieties: Preferred for their higher oil content and market value.
4. The Cultivation Cycle
Sowing (June – August): Sown with the onset of the monsoon, either by broadcasting or in rows.
Growing Period: The crop has a relatively short duration of 80-120 days, depending on the variety. This allows it to fit well into various crop rotations.
Harvesting (September – November): Harvesting is a delicate process. The plants are cut when the lower capsules start turning yellow but before they split open (shattering) to prevent seed loss. It is a highly labor-intensive task.
Drying and Threshing: The harvested plants are dried in the sun and then gently beaten or threshed to extract the seeds.
5. Economic and Cultural Importance
Edible Oil: Sesame oil (Gingelly oil or Nuvvula Noone) is a premium cooking oil known for its distinctive aroma, flavor, and excellent stability. It is a key ingredient in many regional cuisines.
It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.
It is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
Seeds for Food: The seeds are used as a garnish on bread, in salads, and are the primary ingredient in numerous traditional Indian sweets and snacks.
Til (Sesame) Sweets: Sweets like Til Laddu, Til Chikki, and Til Revdi are especially popular during festivals like Makar Sankranti.
Export: India exports a significant quantity of sesame seeds, and the high-quality produce from Andhra Pradesh contributes to this.
By-Product: The oilcake left after extraction is a rich protein source used as cattle feed.
6. Major Challenges
Sesame cultivation faces several significant challenges:
Low Yield Potential: Average yields are often low due to traditional farming practices and rain-fed conditions.
Shattering Loss: The biggest post-harvest challenge is seed shattering. The capsules burst open naturally upon maturity, leading to heavy seed loss if harvesting is delayed.
Pest Infestations:
Leaf Webber and Capsule Borer: These are the most damaging pests, feeding on leaves and boring into capsules.
Gall Fly: Its larvae cause galls (swellings) on the shoots, stunting growth.
Aphids and Jassids: Sap-sucking insects.
Diseases:
Phyllody: A devastating phytoplasma disease that transforms floral parts into leafy structures, leading to complete yield loss. It is spread by leafhoppers.
Root Rot and Wilt: Fungal diseases that affect the plant’s root system.
Labor-Intensive Harvesting: The careful, selective harvesting required is costly and time-consuming.
Government Initiatives and The Way Forward
Development of Non-Shattering Varieties: A major focus of research is on developing varieties with indehiscent capsules that do not shatter easily, which would revolutionize harvesting.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Promotion of IPM to control pests like the capsule borer and the leafhopper that spreads Phyllody.
Seed Treatment: Encouraging farmers to use treated seeds to protect against soil-borne diseases.
Promotion of Value Addition: Encouraging the local production of sesame-based products like tahini, halva, and high-quality oil to improve farmer incomes.
Conclusion
Sesame in Andhra Pradesh is a traditional crop with modern potential. Its high nutritional value, premium oil, and cultural relevance ensure a steady demand. While challenges like low yields, shattering, and diseases are significant, the path forward lies in adopting improved, non-shattering varieties, implementing scientific pest management, and exploring value-added products. By addressing these issues, sesame can continue to be a profitable and sustainable crop for the farmers in the state’s drier regions, preserving an important part of the agricultural and culinary heritage.
