Mavelikkara: The rich aroma of Thilathara sesame oil— the pride of Onattukara— is set to reach international markets as the region expands sesame cultivation across 500 hectares to meet growing export demand.

The initiative aims to boost seed production, with the Onattukara Development Agency signing an agreement with a Kochi-based company to export 24,000 litres of sesame oil each year.

According to N Raveendran and V R Binesh, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Onattukara Development Agency respectively, the indigenous sesame variety of Onattukara can yield up to 400 kilograms per hectare when cultivated with proper care. Hence, cultivation is now being extended to an additional 500 hectares.

As part of the initiative, sesame seeds have been distributed across 39 panchayats and five municipalities in the Onattukara region through the offices of the Assistant Director of Agriculture. The seeds are being distributed to farmers through local agriculture offices and so far, 2,000 kilograms have already been distributed.

Earlier, officials from the Kochi-based export firm visited the value-added production unit of the Onattukara Development Agency at the Kallimel District Farm in Mavelikkara to assess the quality of the sesame oil. They examined product samples, and the final price will be decided at the time of signing the memorandum of understanding.