The AICRP on linseed and sesame was established at main campus of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola in April 1985. Subsequently this project was shifted to College of Agriculture, Nagpur from 1987 and AICRP on Rapeseed Mustard in June 2009. The work on the improvement of linseed in the Vidarbha region was started in the section of Economic Botanist, Nagpur in 1924-25 and one high yielding strain, EB-3 with higher oil content was developed. From 1934 to 1944, the work on this crop was done under the Oilseeds Research Scheme, Central Provinces, Nagpur and two improved strains, No-3 and No-55 possessing higher yield and higher oil content were developed. These strains though well suited to Vidarbha conditions were not resistant to rust. Attempts were, therefore made to develop rust resistant, high- yielding strains such as IP-135 and IP-328. As a result of hybridization and subsequent selection, one improved strain, C-429 was developed and released for cultivation in 1958. It combines high yield and high oil content No.-3 with rust resistance of IP-135. After the establishment of All India Coordinated Research Project on Linseed and Sesame in 1987 at Collage of Agriculture, Nagpur.

Sesame is the oldest indigenous oil plant with longest history of its cultivation in India. India is still the world leader with the maximum (25.8%) production from the largest (29.8%) area and highest (40%) export of Sesame in the world. Sesame is quality food, nutrition, edible oil, bio-medicine and health care, all in one. The international demand and market of Sesame has witnessed significant growth in the recent past. It has up-surged as a silver line in the agri-export of the country with its highest contribution of foreign exchange from the export of sesame seed. Sesame has remarkable antioxidant function due to the presence of lignans and tocopherol. The seed, highly rich in quality proteins and essential amino acids, especially methionine is considered rejuvenative and anti-aging for human body. Sesame seed is rich source of linoleic acid, vitamins E, A, B1, B2 & niacin and minerals including calcium and phosphorus. The seeds are used in the preparation of baby foods considered as the best substitute for mother’s milk to compensate the breast feeding. The oil with 85% unsaturated fatty acids, is highly stable and has reducing effect on cholesterol and prevents coronary heart diseases. Sesame is called as the Queen of oils. Sesame is grown in all seasons of the year and being a short duration crop, fits well into various cropping systems.
In Vidarbha, the Sesame crop is grown in Kharif, Semi-Rabi & Summer situation. Since the Sesame crop has less problem of pest & diseases in summer condition, it can be very well harvested. Now a days there are tremendous possibilities to extend the area under Summer sesame cultivation. Sesame had more preference from farmers because of low input required & high price of produce. The irrigation command area may be covered for summer cultivation of Sesame crop after harvest of paddy & early crop of Rabi. Area under summer Sesame is increasing in eastern part of Vidarbha especially in Bhandara & Gadchiroli districts.

The Sesame Research Unit was included in the AICRP w.e.f 1st April, 1987, with staffing pattern as one Jr. Breeder (Sesame) & one Agriculture Assistant at Nagpur. One Jr. Agronomist post sanctioned in this Unit in XIth plan. The Agronomy & pathology discipline’s work is being looked after by the Scientists born on the establishment of Linseed Research Unit.