Sesame (Sesamum indicum), one of the world’s oldest cultivated oilseed crops, plays a vital role in global agriculture and the economy. Rich in oil and nutrients, sesame is valued for its diverse industrial uses, spanning food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuel. Major producers including Sudan, India, Myanmar, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and China contribute to a thriving international trade driven by growing demand for sesame seeds, oil, and processed products. However, challenges such as climate variability, pest and disease infestations, price fluctuations, and limited mechanization impact its production and profitability. Advancements in drought-tolerant and high-yielding varieties, alongside better agronomic practices and policy support, offer promising solutions to enhance sesame productivity. Continued research and investments in sustainable cultivation, value addition, and market linkages will ensure sesame’s enduring contribution to food security, farmer livelihoods, and the global agricultural economy.
The Agricultural Research Station, MPKV, Niphad (Maharashtra), has developed a high-yielding bread wheat variety, Phule Shashwat (NIAW 4114), specifically suited for late-sown irrigated conditions in the Peninsular Zone of India. This variety stands out for its superior grain quality and excellent chapati-making properties, meeting both farmers' and consumers' expectations. Notably, Phule Shashwat exhibits resistance to both stem and leaf rusts, making it a reliable option under disease-prone environments. The variety was identified and recommended for release during the Varietal Identification Committee Meeting held virtually on 7th October 2024, under the chairmanship of Dr. D. K. Yadava, ADG (Seed), ICAR. It was subsequently released and officially notified by the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards through Gazette Notification S.O. 2128(E), dated 13th May 2025, for cultivation in the target agro-climatic region.
