Where is Sesame Grown in Pakistan?

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is one of the oldest oilseed crops cultivated in Pakistan. Known for its rich oil content and numerous health benefits, sesame is widely grown in different regions of the country, particularly in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Farmers cultivate sesame for both domestic use and export purposes due to its high market demand.

Sesame Growing Regions in Pakistan

Sesame is mainly cultivated in:

• Punjab: Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Bhakkar, and Attock.

• Sindh: Hyderabad, Sanghar, and Mirpur Khas.

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: D.I. Khan and surrounding areas.

These regions have favorable climatic conditions, including warm temperatures and well-drained sandy loam soil, which are ideal for sesame cultivation.

Sesame Growing Season in Pakistan

The sesame growing season varies depending on the region:

• Spring Crop: Sown in February-March and harvested in May-June.

• Monsoon Crop: Sown in June-July and harvested in September-October.

Farmers choose the monsoon season for higher yield due to adequate rainfall, which supports better crop growth.

Sesame Yield Per Acre in Pakistan

The average sesame yield in Pakistan varies between 300 to 600 kg per acre, depending on the farming techniques, seed variety, and soil conditions. Improved agricultural practices, such as proper irrigation and pest control, can significantly enhance the yield.

Sesame Varieties in Pakistan

Pakistan cultivates several varieties of sesame seeds, including:

• TS-5 – High yielding and widely grown.

• TS-3 – Resistant to diseases.

• Black Sesame – Primarily grown for medicinal purposes and export.

• White Sesame – Preferred for edible oil and bakery products.

Sesame Harvesting Time in Pakistan

The harvesting time for sesame depends on the sowing season:

• Spring Crop: Harvested in May-June.

• Monsoon Crop: Harvested in September-October.

Farmers harvest sesame when the plants turn yellow, and seed pods begin to split, ensuring maximum oil content.

Sesame Seeds Price in Pakistan

The price of sesame seeds fluctuates due to market demand, supply, and global trends. As of today, the sesame 40kg price in Pakistan ranges between PKR 12,000 to PKR 18,000, depending on the quality and variety.

Importance of Sesame in Pakistan

Sesame plays a vital role in Pakistan’s agriculture and economy:

• Oil Extraction: Sesame oil is used in cooking and cosmetics.

• Export Potential: Pakistan exports sesame to China, Japan, and the Middle East.

• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, calcium, and protein, sesame is widely used in traditional medicine.

Sesame Crop Challenges in Pakistan

Despite its benefits, sesame farming faces challenges such as:

• Climate Variability: Excessive rain or drought affects yield.

• Pest Attacks: Aphids and whiteflies damage crops.

• Lack of Modern Techniques: Traditional farming methods result in lower production.

Government initiatives and modern farming techniques can help improve sesame production and increase farmers’ profitability.

FAQs

1. Where is sesame mainly grown in Pakistan?

Sesame is mainly grown in Punjab (Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad), Sindh (Hyderabad, Sanghar), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (D.I. Khan).

2. What is the best season for sesame farming in Pakistan?

The best season is the monsoon crop (June-July) as it benefits from natural rainfall, resulting in higher yields.

3. How much sesame yield can be obtained per acre?

On average, farmers can obtain 300 to 600 kg per acre, depending on farming practices.

4. What are the different varieties of sesame grown in Pakistan?

Pakistan cultivates TS-5, TS-3, black sesame, and white sesame varieties.

5. How much does a 40kg bag of sesame cost in Pakistan?

The price varies between PKR 12,000 to PKR 18,000, depending on quality and market conditions.