India Sesame Seed Market- Trend Analysis & Forecasts

Market/ Product Overview

The India sesame seed market forms a crucial segment of the country’s oilseed economy, supported by favorable agro-climatic conditions, a long cultivation history, and strong export demand. Sesame seeds, locally known as til, are cultivated across multiple agro-climatic zones including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana, with Rajasthan alone accounting for nearly 25% of India’s total sesame seed output. According to agricultural estimates, India cultivated ** million hectares of sesame in 2024–2025, producing close to 893 thousand metric tons, reflecting modest year-on-year growth driven by improved seed varieties and rising global demand.

The domestic sesame seed industry is also closely linked with India’s edible oil sector, where sesame oil occupies a niche premium segment. While the country’s total edible oil consumption surpassed 24 million tonnes in 2024, sesame oil accounted for ** thousand tons, primarily used in traditional cooking, Ayurvedic formulations, and cosmetics. Increasing consumer preference for cold-pressed oils and healthy fats has contributed to a gradual increase in domestic sesame oil consumption, especially in urban markets where the cold-pressed oil segment has grown at over **% annually since 2020.

India’s sesame seed supply chain involves a large network of smallholder farmers, aggregators, oil processors, and exporters. More than 80% of sesame cultivation is carried out by small farmers owning less than two hectares of land, which makes production sensitive to weather variability and price fluctuations. Despite these structural challenges, the country has developed a strong export-oriented industry supported by cleaning, grading, and value-addition facilities in major trading hubs such as Unjha in Gujarat and Kota in Rajasthan, both of which handle significant volumes of export-grade sesame seeds annually.

Looking ahead, the India sesame seed market is expected to benefit from expanding international demand, particularly from Japan, South Korea, China, and Middle Eastern countries, where sesame is widely used in bakery, confectionery, and traditional cuisines. With global sesame demand projected to surpass 9 million metric tons by 2032, India is positioned to maintain its role as a major exporter while also expanding domestic value-added processing.

Significance of India in Global Sesame Seed Supply Chain

India plays a pivotal role in the global sesame seed supply chain due to its significant production capacity, diverse seed varieties, and well-established export infrastructure. Globally, sesame seed production is estimated at ** million tonnes annually, with leading producers including Sudan, Myanmar, Tanzania, Nigeria, China, and India. Among these countries, India ranks consistently within the top five global producers, contributing ** thousand tonnes annually, representing about **% of global output.

One of the key strengths of India in the sesame trade lies in its ability to supply premium-quality varieties, particularly natural white sesame seeds, which are highly sought after by food processors in Japan and South Korea. India also exports hulled sesame seeds, a value-added product where the outer seed coat is removed to enhance color and flavor. In 2023, India exported ** thousand tonnes of sesame seeds, accounting for **% of global sesame seed trade, making it one of the largest exporters worldwide.

The country’s sesame export ecosystem is supported by strong trading networks and specialized processing clusters, especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Gujarat alone contributes **% of India’s sesame exports, largely due to advanced cleaning and hulling facilities located near the ports of Mundra and Kandla, which together handle a substantial portion of India’s oilseed exports. These logistics advantages allow Indian exporters to remain competitive even against lower-cost producers from Africa.

India’s position in the global sesame supply chain is also reinforced by strong relationships with Asian markets. For example, Japan imports over ** thousand tonnes of sesame annually, and India supplies nearly 30–35% of that demand, especially in the premium roasted sesame segment used in confectionery and seasoning products. As global demand for plant-based proteins and specialty oils continues to rise, India’s role as a stable supplier of high-quality sesame seeds is expected to become even more critical in the coming decade.

India Sesame Seed Supply & Demand Trend

The supply dynamics of the India sesame seed market are influenced by agricultural productivity, monsoon patterns, and farmers’ crop selection decisions. Sesame cultivation in India occurs primarily during the kharif season, which accounts for nearly 70% of total production, while the remaining production comes from rabi and summer crops grown in irrigated regions. Average yields remain relatively low compared with other oilseeds, typically ranging between 450–550 kilograms per hectare, although improved hybrid varieties have demonstrated potential yields exceeding 800 kilograms per hectare under optimal conditions.

On the supply side, India’s sesame production has fluctuated between 750 thousand and 900 thousand tonnes annually over the past five years, largely due to monsoon variability and changes in cultivation area. For instance, a favorable monsoon in 2022 resulted in production exceeding 900 thousand tons, whereas erratic rainfall in certain regions during 2023 reduced yields by nearly 5–7% in some states. Despite these fluctuations, India continues to maintain a stable supply due to the wide geographic distribution of sesame cultivation across more than 12 states.

Domestic demand for sesame seeds is driven primarily by the edible oil industry, confectionery manufacturing, and traditional food preparations. Sesame-based sweets such as til laddoos and chikki experience seasonal demand spikes during festivals such as Makar Sankranti, which alone accounts for **% of annual domestic sesame consumption. In addition, the rising popularity of healthy snacks and plant-based foods has boosted demand for sesame-based ingredients in bakery and ready-to-eat products.

Exports, however, remain the dominant demand driver for Indian sesame seeds. Nearly 40–45% of India’s sesame production is exported, particularly to Asian and Middle Eastern markets where sesame is widely used in sauces, spreads, and bakery products. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam collectively account for more than 60% of India’s sesame exports, while emerging markets in Europe and North America are also increasing imports due to growing demand for plant-based foods.

India Sesame Seed Market Segmentation

The India sesame seed market can be segmented by seed type, application, processing form, and end-use industry, each reflecting distinct demand patterns and trade dynamics. By seed type, the market is primarily divided into white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and brown sesame seeds, with white sesame seeds accounting for **% of India’s total production due to strong export demand from East Asian food manufacturers.

White sesame seeds dominate export markets because of their mild flavor, uniform appearance, and suitability for bakery and confectionery products. In 2023, India exported over ** thousand tonnes of natural white sesame seeds, mainly to Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, where they are used in products such as sesame paste, roasted toppings, and confectionery fillings. Hulled sesame seeds, a processed variant of white sesame, represent a growing segment with an estimated export value exceeding US$ ** million annually.

Black sesame seeds represent a smaller but premium niche segment, accounting for **% of India’s sesame production. These seeds are widely used in traditional Asian cuisines, particularly in Japan and China, where they are incorporated into desserts, sauces, and specialty oils. Black sesame also has growing demand in the nutraceutical industry due to its higher antioxidant content compared with white sesame varieties.

From an application perspective, the edible oil segment remains the largest consumer of sesame seeds, accounting for nearly **% of domestic consumption. Sesame oil production in India is estimated at ** thousand tonnes annually, with major processing clusters located in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The food processing sector represents another significant demand segment, where sesame seeds are used in bakery products, snack bars, and confectionery items.

The nutraceutical and cosmetic industries are emerging as high-value segments for sesame-derived products. Sesame oil is widely used in Ayurvedic medicines and personal care products, with the Ayurvedic oil market in India alone valued at over US$ ** billion in 2024. Additionally, sesame-based protein powders and functional food ingredients are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, particularly in urban markets where plant-based diets are expanding.

India Sesame Seed Trade (Export & Import) Trend

India’s sesame seed market is heavily export-oriented, with international trade playing a central role in shaping production and pricing trends. In 2025, India exported ** thousand tonnes of sesame seeds, generating export revenues exceeding US$ ** million. The country’s sesame exports have grown steadily at a compound annual growth rate of around 4% over the past decade, driven by rising demand from Asia and the Middle East.

Japan remains one of the most important export destinations for Indian sesame seeds, importing ** thousand tonnes annually, of which India supplies **%. Other major export markets include South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and the United States, collectively accounting for more than **% of India’s sesame exports. Vietnam has emerged as a particularly fast-growing market, with imports from India increasing by **% between 2021 and 2023 due to expanding food processing industries.

While India is a major exporter, it also imports limited quantities of sesame seeds to supplement domestic supply during low-production years. Imports typically range between ** thousand tonnes annually, mainly sourced from African countries such as Sudan and Ethiopia, where large-scale mechanized farming has boosted output in recent years.

Trade policies also influence the sesame market. India generally maintains low import tariffs on sesame seeds, typically **%, allowing processors to import seeds when domestic supplies are tight. Meanwhile, exporters benefit from government export promotion programs and infrastructure support, including improved port logistics and quality certification systems that ensure compliance with international food safety standards.

Influence of India in Global Sesame Seed Price

India plays a significant role in shaping global sesame seed prices due to its large export volumes and influence in premium seed segments. International sesame prices have historically fluctuated between US$ ** and US$ ** per ton over the past decade, depending on global supply conditions and demand trends. When Indian production increases, global prices often soften due to the country’s substantial export capacity.

Export prices for Indian sesame seeds averaged US$ 1,750 per ton in 2023, reflecting stable demand from Asian markets despite increased competition from Africa. Premium hulled sesame seeds, however, command significantly higher prices, often exceeding US$ 2,500 per metric ton, particularly when shipped to Japan and South Korea where strict quality standards apply.

Domestic wholesale prices in India have also shown significant variation depending on crop conditions. For example, sesame prices in major trading hubs such as Unjha and Kota ranged between INR 90 and INR 150 per kilogram between 2021 and 2024, with price spikes occurring during years of lower production. Export demand can amplify these price movements, especially when global supplies tighten due to weather disruptions in African producing countries.

Because India is both a major exporter and a key supplier of premium varieties, price movements in Indian markets often influence international sesame benchmarks. Traders and importers worldwide closely monitor Indian crop forecasts and harvest conditions, as any supply shock in India can quickly translate into higher global sesame prices.

Future Outlook

The India sesame seed market is expected to maintain steady growth through 2032, supported by rising global demand for plant-based oils, expanding international trade, and increasing adoption of value-added sesame products. With global sesame consumption projected to exceed 9 million metric tons by 2032, India’s export potential remains strong, particularly in premium white and hulled sesame seed segments. Continued improvements in agricultural productivity, processing technology, and supply chain efficiency could help India increase production to over 1 million tonnes by 2032, reinforcing its position as a key supplier in the global sesame seed industry.