Enhance Sesame Production with Disease-Resistant Types Suitable for Rajasthan's Arid Climate
**Improving Sesame Cultivation in Rajasthan: Boosting Yields and Quality**
In the arid region of Rajasthan, sesame cultivation holds significant importance due to the crop's adaptability to harsh conditions and its high oil content. To enhance yield and quality, farmers in the state are encouraged to adopt improved sesame varieties and follow best practices for cultivation.
One of the recommended varieties for sesame farming in Rajasthan is the RT-351, which has been promoted by the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Mandor. Known for its branches and multi-capsule per locule, uniform maturity, and tolerance against diseases and pest attacks, this variety has shown a yield increase of 19.4 to 46.5% compared to traditional practices.
The ideal sowing period for sesame in Rajasthan is the first fortnight of July during the Kharif season. Sesame seeds should be sown at an optimal spacing of about 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants, with a seed rate of 4–5 kg per acre. To prevent early diseases, seeds should be treated with fungicides or biofungicides before sowing.
Crop care and fertilizer management play crucial roles in sesame cultivation. Weeding should be performed 15–20 days after sowing to prevent competition from weeds. Balanced fertilizers, typically 20–30 kg of nitrogen and phosphorus per acre, are recommended for optimal growth. Sesame usually requires minimal irrigation if sown during the monsoon season, but may need occasional irrigation during dry spells.
Deep summer plowing improves soil aeration for sesame cultivation, and soil preparation should be done well before sowing to ensure a smooth germination process. Pest and disease management should be monitored regularly, and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques should be used to minimize chemical use.
In addition to RT-351, other recommended sesame varieties for Rajasthan include RT-54, RT-46, RT-103, RT-127, RT-103 and RT-125, and RT-125. These varieties offer resistance to multiple diseases, yield between 700-850 kg/ha, and have oil content close to or above 46%.
By following these practices and using recommended varieties like RT-351, farmers in Rajasthan can improve sesame yields and quality, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Adopting suitable agronomic practices can enhance both sesame productivity and profitability, making it a valuable crop for farmers in the region.
In light of the significant importance of sesame cultivation in Rajasthan, incorporating health-and-wellness practices such as the use of fungicides or biofungicides on seeds and regular pest and disease management can help safeguard the crop, resulting in a higher yield. Moreover, adopting improved sesame varieties like RT-351, renowned for their disease tolerance and high yield, aligns with science-based solutions for boosting health-and-wellness benefits associated with a sustainable food supply.
