Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Agriculture Specialist Writer
FOLLOWING allegations of improper allocation of sesame licences to prospective buyers, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has introduced new regulatory measures on the production and marketing of the crop, as exports surge 1 033 percent.
Cited as the Agricultural Marketing Authority [Regulatory Circular on the Sesame Production and Marketing Modalities] Regulatory Circular Number 1 of 2025, the regulatory circular shall apply to all registered sesame contractors, traders, processors and growers with immediate effect.
“It is expected that all producers, contractors and traders in sesame shall abide by the rules and regulations contained herein. Penalties shall be invoked as a last resort, in order to enforce these regulations,” said AMA acting chief executive officer Mr Jonathan Mukuruba.
As such AMA said all growers, contractors, traders and processors for sesame shall be registered in accordance with the Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grains, Oilseed and Products) By-laws, Statutory Instrument 140 of 2013 as amended.
AMA said no individual or entity shall participate in the production or marketing of sesame without being registered.
“Foreign investors are welcome to register as contractors, traders and processors of sesame with the Agricultural Marketing Authority provided they register with the Zimbabwe Investment & Development Agency (ZIDA) and with the Zimbabwe Registrar of Companies.
“They should also possess a valid tax clearance from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and adhere to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) export requirements (Customs Declaration 1 Form acquittals),” he added.
Foreign investors are expected to obtain the requisite export permit and phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development as well as undertake that they will not participate in any illegal import or export activities.
The database of farmers, inputs purchased and disbursed and production statistics must be on the contracting arrangements filed with AMA.
Contractors shall adhere to and provide farmers with the contractually agreed minimum input package.
All contractors, traders or processors shall file monthly returns for marketed sesame to the Authority.
“The authority shall officially designate the marketing season for sesame every year and shall put in place a robust enforcement mechanism in collaboration with relevant ministries and departments in each marketing season to prevent unauthorised buying and smuggling of sesame from the country,” further explained Mr Mukuruba.
Additionally, contracted farmers are required to sell to their contractors while self-financing ones will sell to any duly registered buyers in Zimbabwe, and to best advantage.
The circular disclosed that registered contractors shall be issued with licences, which specify the areas where they sponsored and will be buying from and no other trader shall be allowed to trade in those areas, in order to protect their investment.
All other traders shall be given licenses to buy from non-contracted areas.
To avoid side marketing and any illegal or unauthorised movements, the authority shall issue movement permits where buyers want to move sesame from one area to another.
AMA will impose different levels of fines and penalties for non-adherence to provisions contained in the circular.
Meanwhile, statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) show the country earned US$1 524 766 in 2024 up from US$134 603 in 2023, a whopping 1 033 percent.
In volume terms it rose 737 percent from 155 903 to 1 304 500 kilogrammes.
Sesame seeds are used in a variety of ways, primarily as a culinary ingredient to add flavour and texture to dishes, and as a source of nutrients and health benefits.
They can be eaten whole, ground, or toasted and are often used in baking, stir-fries, salads, and various other recipes. Sesame oil is also extracted from the seeds and used for cooking and in some traditional remedies.
Zimbabwe’s sesame production is on the rise, with an estimated 39 295 hectares planted last year.
Contractors are advocating expanded cultivation to meet the robust demand from international markets, including Turkey, India and China. Sesame is increasingly recognised as a key export commodity with the potential to generate substantial foreign currency for Zimbabwe.
The crop’s appeal is further enhanced by its low input costs and minimal need for chemical treatments, making it an attractive option for agricultural expansion. Several banks, including CBZ Agro Yield, NMB Bank and AFC, have already invested in funding sesame production.
Peter Tanyanyiwa