Sesame is a major crop in Pakistan, with the country ranking among the world’s leading producers and exporters. It is highly valued for its oil and protein content. With oil content ranging from 50% to 58%, it is known as the queen of oilseeds.
Sesame seeds is cultivated in hot and dry regions. It is mostly used in food, such as confectionery, savory, and baked items. Besides that, it is also used in soaps, perfumes, vegetable oil, and carbon paper manufacturing.
Where Sesame is Grown in Pakistan
Sesame is grown in the major farming regions of Pakistan. Key areas include:
Punjab: Attock, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Bhakkar, Sialkot, Gujranwala
Sindh: Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Sanghar, Dadu, Tharparkar.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: D.I. Khan and Kohat
Balochistan: Lasbela and Naseerabad
Types Of Sesame Seeds In Pakistan
A variety of sesame seeds are cultivated across various regions in Pakistan.
Black Sesame
Black sesame seeds come from the same plant as the white ones, Sesamum indicum. The plant’s primary origin is the Indian sub-continent and some parts of Africa. Their black color is due to their outer hull remaining intact.. Leaving the hull on is also what gives them a stronger, nuttier flavor and a slightly crunchier texture compared to the hulled seeds.
The cultivation of black sesame seeds is mostly done in Punjab and Sindh. “Black King” is a key variety mostly grown in Punjab. Its cultivation takes place in both summer and winter, and is sown between June and July.
The following is a list of a wide variety of black sesame seeds grown in Pakistan.
- Black king: Premium Pakistani variety, prized for its strong nutty flavor and high oil yield.
- Til-18: It has high oil content and sesamolin, which is a type of healthy fatty acid.
- S-122: Known for its higher amounts of lignans, sesamol, and sesamolin.
- S-117: It has a higher amount of sesamol and sesamolin, and also a higher amount of fat content.
- S-131: Known for its higher amounts of antioxidants.
The number in a cultivar’s name (e.g., S-122) is a key indicator of its nutritional value. This is important for researchers and consumers, as it highlights the presence of specific beneficial compounds like sesamol and sesamolin.
White Sesame Seeds
White sesame seeds are at the heart of food in Pakistan. They are used in a variety of desserts and savory cuisines. These precious seeds are primarily cultivated in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The growing cycle involves sowing in June and July, with the harvesting taking place in September and October. The crop needs specific conditions to grow, such as a dry and warm climate and well-irrigated dry sandy loam soil.
- TS-5: Oil-rich seeds, known for producing richer taste and texture in foods.
- TH-6: Valued for its superior health profile, being naturally rich in the powerful antioxidant sesamin.
- Til-18:.Produces uniform, high-quality seeds known for their consistent size and clean harvest.
- TS-3: Valued for its consistent quality and purity, ensured by natural disease resistance, leading to a cleaner final product.
- Anmol Til: Prized for its plump, uniform seeds that provide a perfect crunch and visual appeal as a topping for breads, salads, and snacks.
Challenges In Sesame Seeds Cultivation In Pakistan
Several factors affect the cultivation of sesame in Pakistan. Some of them are:
- Varying climate: Too much rain or drought affects the growth of crops.
- Pest infestation: Pests like whiteflies and aphids, along with diseases such as phyllody and charcoal rot, cause substantial damage to the crops.
- Outdated cultivation techniques: Lack of mechanization, poor seed selection, and inefficient water management keep yields well below their potential.
Conclusion
Pakistan produces a wide variety of sesame seeds. Prized for their high oil content and significant health benefits, they hold great export potential for key markets, such as the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. With an annual production of 1.119 million tons as of 2024, Pakistan is well-positioned to meet substantial global demand and solidify its role as a key supplier in the international sesame market.
Find out more information about what other crops are produced and exported here.
FAQs
1. Where is sesame grown in Pakistan?
A: Sesame is grown in some major cities in all provinces of Pakistan, including Sialkot, Gujrat, and Faisalabad in Punjab. Kohat and D.I. Khan in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Hyderabad, Dadu, and Tharparkar in Sindh.
2. When is sesame cultivated?
A: Sesame is sown in mid-June to mid-July and harvested in September- October.
3. Which is the highest-yielding variety of sesame?
A: TH-6, one of the white varieties, yields the most sesame seeds within a single stem.
4. How much sesame is produced per acre in Pakistan?
A: The production of sesame is 300-600 kg per acre. Its production also depends on the cultivation practices.
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