Sesame export logs Rs 171.89 cr in off-season

The country has earned Rs 171.89 crore from exports of 44,379 MT sesame seed during the off-season of April 2005-July 05. For the same period last year, exports earnings were Rs 139.47 crore, from 32,684 MT sesame.

The exports are expected to increase at least 20 per cent in the peak season that has already set in and will continue till March 2006.

India, a major producer of sesame, has of late been facing stiff competition from China. However, in the April-July period, the quantity of the Chinese crop was marginally less and its quality, too, was affected by non-seasonal rains. Indian exporters seized the opportunity by penetrating into the premium markets in China.

The seed has high demand in South Korea, Japan, Turkey and Syria, where most of the exports find their way. Other significant importers are the Netherlands, the UK and Singapore.

While the price of Chinese sesame in the international market is $1,100 per tonne, the Indian variety is priced at $825 per tonne only. African sesame price is volatile and valued between $780 and $800 per tonne.

Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, Guatemala, Paraguay, Myanmar, Pakistan, Uganda and Nigeria are also in the fray to exploit the growing demand for sesame in the international markets.

Sanjeev Sawla, chairman, India Oilseeds and Produce Exporters Association, said: "For the last three years, India has been the leading exporter and has earned Rs 662.79 crore in April 2004-March 2005, compared to Rs 699.6 crore in the previous corresponding period. India has exported 157,255 MT and 191,076 MT respectively in the last two years. Total production in India during 2004-05 was 7.2 lakh MT."

West Bengal led the production chart in 2004-05 with a quantity of two lakh MT, followed by Gujarat with 1.2 lakh MT. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu produced 80,000 MT and 60,000 MT respectively. States like Madhya Pradesh (50,000 MT), Uttar Pradesh (40,000 MT each), Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka also had good yields last year.

The sesame seed is extensively used in the Middle East and Asian cuisine. The world production of sesame in 2000 was 3.62 million tonne, a growth of 6.38 per cent from the 1999 output.

As for the international market, quality of the product is the main concern. Seeds, which are scientifically treated, properly cleaned, washed, dried, colour-sorted, size-graded, impurities-free with appropriate oil content (not less than 40 per cent), and packed in compliance with international standards, are getting more buyers worldwide.