SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L. 2n = 26) is a very ancient oilseed crop grown next to groundnut and mustard in India. It belongs to the order Tubiflorae family Pedaliaceae. It is basically considered a crop of tropical and sub-tropical regions but it has also spread to the temperate parts of the world. Africa has been considered to be the primary centre of origin of sesame and it spread early through West Asia to India China and Japan which themselves became secondary distribution centres. Sesame is called as the “Queen of Oilseeds” because of its excellent qualities of the seed oil and meal. Generally the oil content in sesame ranges from 34 to 63%.