Sesame Cultivation: From Rabi to Summer
Sesame cultivation in India, a major producer and exporter, experiences significant shifts throughout its growing seasons, impacting global and domestic markets. The Rabi season witnessed a decrease in sowing area from approximately 27,000 hectares to 16,000 hectares by mid-December, reflecting a substantial drop. By contrast, summer sesame’s sowing, while extensive at 84,000 hectares as of 23rd of February, still falls short compared to the previous year’s metrics.
Typically, sesame’s main production occurs during the Kharif season. However, this period too saw a reduction, with sowing covering only 1,243,400 hectares, down 7.68% from the previous year’s 1.344 million hectares. This declining trend, evident across Kharif, Rabi, and summer seasons, suggests potential challenges in supply, although there is a hopeful anticipation for increased sowing as the summer season progresses.
Economic Implications of Sesame Crop Fluctuations
The market prices for sesame, a commodity integral to both domestic and international markets, are poised for notable shifts. Concerns over reduced production have propelled the price projections for quality sesame to potentially reach $1,44 – $2,16 per kg as the Rabi harvest commences in April. Unfavorable weather conditions, particularly in Tamil Nadu, have already led to delayed Rabi sowing and significant crop losses, further exacerbating the situation.
Notably, major sesame-producing states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh saw a decrease in sowing during the critical Kharif season, while others like West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh maintained their sowing levels. Nevertheless, widespread adverse weather resulted in a drop in yield to an average of 238 kg per hectare, with estimated Kharif production at 170,435 tonnes.
Price Trends and Export Challenges in the International Arena
India, holding a prominent position in the global sesame market, faces a new set of challenges and opportunities. The country’s second-ranking in sesame production, behind Sudan, positions it as a key player amidst shifting global dynamics. The recent increase in domestic and foreign demand, coupled with lower production and dwindling stocks, has led to a bullish trend in sesame prices, unlikely to soften in the near future.
The heightened prices have not only impacted domestic consumption but have also placed Indian exporters in a tough spot against African competitors, including Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This has led to a shift, with China, a major importer of Indian sesame, turning to African sources due to more competitive pricing.