As black sesame is expected to get a price of Rs. 81 to Rs. 85 per kg during May-June, farmers are advised to take appropriate selling decision.

The price forecasting scheme of Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University analysed the past 15 year prices for black sesame that prevailed in Sivagiri Regulated Market of Erode district.

The econometric analysis and market surveys revealed that during May-June 2016 farmers could get a price of Rs. 81- 85/ kg for black sesame, the Centre said.

Of the total sesame production of 7.25 lakh tonnes in India, 0.15 lakh tonne was used as seed for sowing, three lakh tonnes for exports and remaining for domestic consumption of sesame oil.

Red and black sesame varieties are used for oil purpose and white sesame varieties are mainly used in confectionaries.

India’s export significantly declined 34 per cent over the last year mainly due to the increased production, combined with a reduction in demand with higher stock position in the domestic market.

Increased acreage, coupled with favourable weather conditions, led to an increase in sesame production. Moreover, good production in China and South America had reduced demand from Central America, which also affected India’s sesame export this year, the analysis said.