TNAU forecasts black sesame prices at ₹140-145/kg during harvest

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University expects good-quality black sesame to trade at ₹140-145 per kg during harvest, based on 25 years of Erode market data. Monsoon outcomes and arrivals from other producing states remain key variables for food brands and ingredient buyers.

— Source publishedTue, 25 Aug, 2026, 21:08 IST·First seen Tue, 25 Aug, 2026, 21:14 IST·Source BL · Consumer & Economy

What happened

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) · TNAU forecasts good-quality black sesame prices of ₹140-145 per kg during the harvest season, based on 25 years of

Key facts

  • ₹140-145/kg
  • 6.7 million tonnes global sesame production in 2024
  • 0.87 million tonnes India's 2024 production
  • 12.93% India's share of global production
  • 9.90 lakh hectares India sesame area in 2025-26
  • 3.66 lakh tonnes India sesame production estimate in 2025-26
  • 369 kg/hectare India productivity estimate
  • 0.34 lakh tonnes Tamil Nadu production in 2024-25
  • 0.47 lakh hectares Tamil Nadu area in 2024-25
  • 428 kg/hectare Tamil Nadu productivity

Why this matters

Prioritize partnerships or sourcing capabilities in multiple sesame-producing regions to reduce dependence on Erode-market price swings.

What to watch

  • Monsoon rainfall distribution and any late-season weather damage in sesame-growing regions.
  • Daily and weekly black sesame arrivals at Erode market during peak harvest.
  • Crop-size and arrival signals from other major producing states.
  • Erode spot prices moving persistently above ₹145/kg or below ₹140/kg.
  • Freight-cost changes and quality differentials between regional supply sources.
  • Supplier reports of stockholding, delayed sales, or higher rejection rates for quality reasons.
  • Food brands with material black sesame exposure should lock staggered harvest-season contracts rather than make a single full-season purchase.
  • Procurement teams should compare Erode spot pricing with delivered costs from other producing states, including freight and quality-adjustment differences.
  • Maintain optionality through a mix of spot purchases, short-duration forward commitments, and minimum-quality specifications for oil content, moisture, and contamination.
  • Review margin sensitivity for sesame-heavy SKUs and identify selective pack-size, promotion, or formulation levers if prices breach the upper end of the range.
  • Monitor supplier inventory behavior, since farmer or trader withholding after harvest could tighten availability even if production is adequate.

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