Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is recognized as one of the most ancient oils. Its cultivation goes
back to 2130 BC. It is cultivated in tropical subtropical and southern temperate regions of
the world for its seeds which are a rich source of edible oil. Recent studies have shown that
the oil lowers cholesterol levels and hypertension in humans and reduces the incidence of
certain cancers. India ranks high in the area and production of sesame in the world with an
annual area of 2.07 million hectares and total production of 0.76 million tons. Even though
sesame is the predominant oil seed crop of India the per hectare productivity and the economic
returns given by it are very low. The crop is very sensitive to biotic and abiotic stresses and
it grows in marginal light-textured inceptisols having poor soil fertility associated with
imbalance and without fertilizer application. The application of both organic and inorganic
fertilizers could help bringing in profitable returns. However due to escalating costs of
production of chemical fertilizers and low subsidies for farmers the agricultural planners are
compelled to re-orient their thinking towards cost effective and cheap renewable resources.
