Russian waiver to lift sesame seed exports

Sesame seed exporters expect 5 per cent to 7 per cent jump in total exports following Russia's announcement of lifting the ban on Indian sesame seeds, effective from today. However, their focus largely remains on the Chinese markets as there are reports of 40 per cent damage to the sesame crop there owing to bad weather conditions.

Domestic sesame prices are, however, likely to go down this month on good crop expectations. Crop arrivals are likely to start within the next 20 days.

"We have to see what kind of Russian demand arises as at present European markets account for 60 to 70 per cent of our total exports and that demand will continue," said, Babubhai Patel, owner, Gajanand Corporation, Mehsana, manufacturer and exporter of sesame seeds. Dharmesh Patel, managing director, Geo Freshorganic, Sidhpur, said, "We have already started receiving price inquiries from China. The focus will remain on China because of crop damage there and the European countries. On an average, exports to Russia is quite small compared with the EU countries and the US. However, a slight increase is expected."

The revised estimates of sesame seeds production in Gujarat has turned out good against the initial reports of bad crop size this year. The revised estimates suggest that Gujarat will produce 75,000 MT to 85,000 MT of sesame seeds this harvest. This is an average crop as Gujarat's per annum average output remains between 70,000 MT and 75,000 MT. However, last year owing to bad weather Gujarat produced only 50,000 MT, according to market source.

India's total crop size of white sesame seeds is likely to stand at 4 -4.5 lakh MT this year.