Gujarat’s agricultural landscape is witnessing a fervent dance of seeds as the sowing of the major rabi oilseed, til (sesame), gains momentum across the state. The State Agriculture Department’s latest figures reveal a remarkable 19% increase in sesame sowing, despite a 41% lag in the northern regions of Gujarat.
According to the department’s data, Gujarat has witnessed the cultivation of sesame across a sprawling 1,23,500 hectares during the current season, compared to 1,03,800 hectares last year. This surge amounts to an additional 19,700 hectares or an impressive 18.97% increase in sesame sowing.
| Region | Sesame Sowing (Current Season) | Sesame Sowing (Previous Season) | Increase in Sowing | Percentage wise increase |
| Saurashtra | 1,16,200 hectares | 97,600 hectares | 18,600 hectares | 19.05 |
| Southern Gujarat | 5,2600 hectares | 2400 hectares | 200 hectares | 8.33 |
| Kutch | 1900 hectares | 1100 hectares | 800 hectares | 72.72 |
| Central Gujarat | 2000 hectares | 1200 hectares | 800 hectares | 66.66 |
Significant growth
Sesame cultivation in Gujarat has witnessed significant growth during the current season compared to the previous one. Saurashtra stands out with a notable increase of 18,600 hectares in sesame sowing. Southern Gujarat has experienced a rise of 200 hectares, while Kutch has seen an impressive surge of 800 hectares. Central Gujarat also contributed to the upward trend with an increase of 800 hectares. These numbers reflect the thriving sesame fields in various regions, showcasing the agricultural progress in Gujarat.
In contrast to the thriving sesame fields in these regions, northern Gujarat faces a contrasting picture, with a significant decline in sesame sowing. The State Agriculture Department’s statistics reveal sesame sowing across only 1000 hectares in North Gujarat during the current season, compared to 1700 hectares in the previous season. This signals a noteworthy decline of 700 hectares or 41.17 per cent in sesame cultivation in northern Gujarat.