Sesame (Sesamum indicum L., 2n = 26) is a very ancient oilseed crop grown next to groundnut and mustard in India. It belongs to the order Tubiflorae, family Pedaliaceae. It is basically considered a crop of tropical and sub-tropical regions but, it has also spread to the temperate parts of the world. Africa has been considered to be the primary centre of origin of sesame and it spread early through West Asia to India, China and Japan which themselves became secondary distribution centres. Sesame is called as the Queen of Oilseeds because of its excellent qualities of the seed, oil and meal. Generally, the oil content in sesame ranges from 34 to 63%.

Mr. Deepkumar M. Vekaria at present working at Wheat Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. He has good experience in Wheat, sesame and castor breeding. He has done his M.Sc. (Agri.) degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding.