AMA strengthens sesame sector regulations to drive growth

Precious Manomano, Herald Reporter

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has intensified efforts to formalise Zimbabwe’s sesame sector, aiming to promote orderly marketing, safeguard contractor investments and attract foreign buyers.

Currently, only licensed contractors will buy the crop.

According to AMA, this is key in maintaining high standards needed to comply with exporting standards.

Sesame seed has been identified as a high-value crop with significant export potential.

The sector has experienced rapid growth, with the area under cultivation increasing from 17 110ha  in 2018 to nearly 39 295ha planted for the present season

This surge in production underscores growing farmer confidence in sesame as a profitable cash crop.

Recognising this opportunity, AMA is making strides to secure international markets, with focus on China where demand is likely to exceed 2,5 million tonnes by 2040.

AMA acting CEO Mr Jonathan Mukuruba said Zimbabwean farmers stand to benefit from an established export route that could boost national revenue.

“We are actively engaging potential buyers in China to create direct market linkages for our farmers,” he said.

“Our goal is to position Zimbabwe as a key player in the global sesame industry.”

Following a recent meeting with the Sesame Association of Zimbabwe and key contractors, AMA resolved that all sesame sales for the 2025 marketing season must be conducted exclusively through registered merchants.

The initiative is designed to protect farmers and contractors from unfair trading practices while ensuring accountability in the sector.

Mr Mukuruba also emphasised the importance of compliance,

“Side marketing has been a major challenge affecting contractual arrangements.

“We are working closely with law enforcement and local authorities to enforce regulations that will bring stability to the sesame market,” he said.

To reinforce these measures, AMA has engaged the police and rural district councils to curb side marketing and ensure that only registered merchants buy sesame.