“Til” is the third largest oilseed crop in Bangladesh. It is a highly profitable crop, and there is a significant demand for sesame seeds in our country.
“Oilseed crops are highly important in agricultural production in Bangladesh. Sesame is the third largest edible oil crop in Bangladesh.
Sesame can be grown on land where other crops do not thrive. Previously, farmers used to cultivate sesame on their abandoned lands.
In addition to being intercropped with other crops, sesame was also grown around the borders of fields. Sesame cultivation is not only easy but also a valuable crop. It can be easily stored at home.
In our country, black and white sesame seeds are commonly cultivated. Sesame seeds contain 42-45% oil and 20% protein. Sesame oil contains more than 80% essential unsaturated fatty acids, which are highly necessary for the human body.
Considering the weather conditions, proper irrigation and drainage management, the use of improved varieties, appropriate care, and modern farming techniques can yield 1200-1500 kg per hectare of sesame.
Taking into account the weather conditions
Currently, due to some erratic weather behavior, the consideration of weather conditions plays a crucial role in achieving higher crop yield. The optimum time for sowing sesame is from the month of October to March or Kartik-Falgun.
During the first season of Kharif, i.e., from the month of Bhadra (mid-August) to Aswin (mid-September), and during the second season of Kharif, i.e., from the month of Ashwin (mid-September) to Bhadra (mid-August), seeding sesame is the most suitable.
If sesame is sown within mid-February, then unexpected shedding and flowering occur, or excessive rainfall leads to waterlogging, and harvesting the crop becomes possible by mid-April.
To achieve higher yield in sesame cultivation, the ideal time for sowing sesame is from 15th to 20th February. During this period, there is lesser chance of unexpected shedding and excessive rainfall.
The appropriate temperature for seed germination and seedling growth is 25° Celsius or higher, so there are no problems with seed germination and proper growth of seedlings.”
Methods of sesame cultivation
Types of soil for sesame cultivation
Sesame can be grown in almost all types of soil that do not retain water. Sandy loam or sandy clay loam soil is most suitable for sesame cultivation.
Preparation of land for sesame cultivation
The land should be plowed and harrowed properly using a plow and a cultivator for sesame cultivation.
Time of sesame seed sowing
Sesame can be sown in both the winter and summer seasons. The optimal time for sowing sesame seeds is during Kharif-1 season, which is from Falgun to Chaitra (mid-February to mid-April), and Kharif-2 season, which is during Bhadra (mid-August to mid-November).
Method of sesame seed sowing
Sesame seeds are generally broadcasted for sowing. However, if sown in rows, it allows for easy maintenance during the early stages. If sowing in rows, maintain a distance of 30 cm between rows and 5 cm between plants.
Selection of sesame variety for cultivation
For higher yields, improved varieties such as Bina Til-2, Bina Til-3, Bina Til-4, Bari Til-3, and Bari Til-4 are highly recommended. However, considering tolerance to waterlogging, Bina Til sowing method
For broadcasting, the seed rate is 8-9 kg per hectare (1-1.15 kg per bigha), and for sowing in rows, the seed rate is 7.0-7.5 kg per hectare (1 kg per bigha). If sowing in rows, maintain a distance of 25-30 cm between rows and 5 cm between plants.
Quantity and Application Method of Fertilizers in Sesame Cultivation
Fertilizer Name Fertilizer Quantity (per hectare)
Urea 120-160 kg
TSP 140-150 kg
MOP 60-70 kg
Gypsum 100-125 kg
Zinc Sulfate (if necessary) 4-6 kg
Boric Acid (if necessary) 8-10 kg
Half of the urea fertilizer and all the remaining fertilizers should be mixed well with the soil at the time of the final plowing. The remaining urea fertilizer should be applied on top of the soil 25-30 days after sowing.
Irrigation Practices and Water Drainage in Sesame Cultivation
Water management refers to the management of irrigation and drainage for desired crop yield. Generally, during the Kharif-1 season, the soil tends to lack moisture at the time of sesame sowing.
If there is insufficient moisture or soil fertility, it is necessary to provide irrigation before sowing and then sow the seeds after the rain.
Although sesame plants have good drought tolerance, if there is a shortage of moisture in the soil during the flowering stage (usually 25-30 days after sowing), one round of irrigation is required before the flowering. If there is a lack of moisture in the soil, another round of irrigation should be given 55-60 days before harvesting.
It should be noted that sesame crops cannot tolerate prolonged waterlogging. Typically, sesame plants cannot survive more than 48-52 consecutive hours of waterlogging.
If there is continuous heavy rain for 3-5 days, the sesame plants may die. Waterlogging or excessive moisture is detrimental to sesame cultivation. In such cases, it is important to ensure proper drainage during land preparation. Therefore, arrange for proper drainage by cutting small canals within the field to quickly drain excess water caused by rainfall or irrigation to protect the crop.
Cultural Practices in Sesame Farming
Management of diseases and pests
1. Stem rot disease – This disease is caused by a fungus called Colletotrichum dematium. Once stem rot disease is observed in the field, it can be controlled by spraying fungicides such as Bavistin or Dithane M-45 at a rate of two grams or Rovral at a rate of one gram per liter of water. Spraying should be done three times at an interval of 8-10 days during the afternoon. However, it is advisable to use fungicides only when excessive moisture or water logging is observed in the field.
2. Aphids and Capsule borer – These pests attack sesame plants and cause damage. The capsule borer can be controlled by removing the affected capsules along with the eggs or larvae and immersing them in a mixture of water and kerosene or diesel. If pest infestation is severe, spraying Sevin 85 SP insecticide at a rate of 34 grams per 10 liters of water or Advantage 20 EC at a rate of 30 milliliters per 10 liters of water can be applied in the affected field. The same method can be followed for controlling the capsule borer and aphids.
In conclusion, by it is possible to increase the productivity of sesame and meet the demand for edible oil to a large extent.
