It will be beneficial for farmers to cultivate sesame in summer

Sesame seeds rich in Copper, Manganese and Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Molybdenum, Vitamin B1, Selenium and Dietary Fibre are cultivated in  Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh etc. Although three crops are obtained in a year, but cultivation of sesame in summer is a good option, because more yield is obtained in this season. In warm climates, sesame germinates well and the incidence of diseases and pests is less.

What is the climate and soil for sesame cultivation? 

Long warm season is best for good yield of sesame. In temperatures below 20 degrees, sesame will not germinate well. The temperature should be between 25 to 40 degree Celsius for a good crop. Although it can be cultivated in any type of soil in the summer season, but when planted in black soil, a good crop is obtained. Very sandy and alkaline soils are not suitable for this. pH value of soil should be 8 and good drainage system is essential.

Improved varieties 

Cultivation of these varieties of sesame in the summer season will give more yield. 21 variety matures in 80 to 85 days and gives yield of about 6 to 8 tonnes per hectare. Also T.K.G. 22, J.T. 7, 81, 27, etc. can also be applied. These varieties become ready in 75 to 85 days and start flowering in 30 to 35 days. The yield per hectare of these varieties is 8-10 tonnes. 

Before sowing, the field should be deeply plowed and it is necessary to level it by using a pat. While preparing the field, add cow dung or vermi compost in appropriate quantity. Make sure that there is enough moisture in the field at the time of sowing so that the seeds can germinate quickly. For summer cultivation, sowing is done in February. It can be sown in two ways – line and spray method. For sowing by spray method, 5-6 kg of seed is required per hectare, while for line sowing, 4-5 kg ​​of seed is required per hectare. Plant to plant distance should be kept 10-15 cm for higher yield. There should be a distance of 30 to 45 cm between rows. To prevent root and stem rot disease, it is important to treat the seeds before sowing them. 

Fertilizer and Irrigation 

To get good crop of sesame, it is necessary to use the right amount of manure. At the time of sowing, apply 1.5 ton cow dung along with Azotobacter and Phosphor fusion bacteria (PSB) @ 5 kg per hectare. Apply half dose of nitrogen at the time of sowing and half dose after 25-30 days of sowing. As far as irrigation is concerned, irrigation should be done in 8-10 days in summer season. 

When to harvest? 

When the crop is ripe, the stem and pods turn yellow in colour. That is, harvesting should be done at this time. Leaving the crop in the field for a long time causes the pods to burst and the seeds to disperse.