India may nearly double sesame production despite current price increases

India’s sesame production could nearly double in 2026 compared with the previous season, supported by expanded planting areas and a recovery in output. According to analysts, sesame acreage increased by more than 10% year-on-year. Meanwhile, domestic prices are rising due to limited seed supplies ahead of the arrival of the new harvest.

Amid tight raw material supplies, sesame oil prices in India have increased by approximately INR 500 per quintal to INR 19,000 per quintal. Strong demand from processors and consumers is supporting prices, while limited sesame inventories in the physical market are intensifying competition for available raw materials. Average domestic seed prices remain approximately 20% above the government-established Minimum Support Price (MSP) of INR 10,346 per quintal.

Rising prices are also affecting the export market. Quotations for Indian hulled sesame seeds with 99.9% purity increased from €1.48/kg in early October to €1.50/kg. Meanwhile, premium black sesame varieties are offered at €1.92–1.99/kg. Higher prices for Indian products could weaken their competitiveness in Asian, Middle Eastern and European markets, where India remains an important supplier.

However, market conditions could change once substantial volumes of the new sesame harvest begin arriving. Hot and dry weather in key producing regions, particularly Rajasthan, is favorable for the final stages of crop maturation. Meanwhile, due to the delayed onset of the monsoon season, the bulk of new crop supplies may not reach the market until late October or early November. The expected increase in production creates conditions for a gradual recovery in supplies.

In the short term, sesame prices in India are likely to remain elevated due to limited inventories and steady demand from processors and exporters. However, as the new harvest enters the market, downward pressure on prices could intensify. Future price movements will depend on actual production volumes, seed quality and the export market’s ability to absorb additional supplies.

Tags: India, sesame