Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
A GROWING number of farmers in Manicaland Province, particularly in the south-eastern districts, are turning to sesame farming, and reaping significant rewards, as the crop is proving more profitable than traditional staples they once relied on.
Once overlooked, sesame is now emerging as a reliable source of income for smallholder farmers grappling with climate-related challenges.
Its drought-resistant qualities and low input requirements have made it an attractive alternative to crops such as maize and cotton, which demand more resources and are increasingly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns.
In districts like Chipinge, Buhera, and Chimanimani, farmers are steadily shifting towards sesame production.
Agricultural extension officers have been actively promoting the crop as part of climate-smart farming strategies, highlighting its resilience to dry spells.
Private buyers have also stepped in, offering seeds, technical support, and ready markets, further boosting confidence among farmers.
For years, farmers in Chipinge marketed their sesame illegally across the border in Mozambique due to the absence of organized local markets.
That gap has now been addressed by the Government interventions, creating more formalised and secure trading channels.
Currently, Chinese contractors are engaging farmers to grow sesame for export, tapping into strong demand in Asia and the Middle East.
This export appetite has driven up prices, encouraging more farmers to join the trend.
Middle Sabi Farmers Association chairman, Mr. Skumbuzo Todhlana, confirmed that sesame has become a game-changer in Chipinge South, where cotton once dominated.
“Farmers here, particularly in areas such as Checheche, Garahwa, Ndowe, and Vheneka, have fully embraced sesame. The crop has gained more farmers, and there are now three active players contracting farmers to grow it, mainly providing seeds,” he said.
Mr Todhlana noted that while prices fluctuate—last year sesame fetched US$0,80 per kilogramme compared to US$1,10 the previous season—the crop remains highly impactful.
“Sesame has become the substitute for cotton, which many farmers abandoned due to low prices and high production costs. With sesame, farmers are guaranteed a return on investment because of the minimal inputs required. Some are even growing without applying fertilisers, though a hectare typically requires about 100kg,” he explained.
Manicaland Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDS) director, Mr Nhamo Mudada, also confirmed the rising uptake of sesame across the province.
“We are still gathering data on the exact hectarage planted this season, but there is a clear increase in farmers venturing into sesame. It is a drought-tolerant crop, well-suited to parts of Chipinge, and its high oil content makes it valuable for cooking and industrial uses. The seeds are also a rich source of calcium and iron. Sesame is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, creating vast market opportunities,” he said.
Experts believe that with proper post-harvest handling and organised marketing structures, sesame has the potential to become one of Manicaland’s leading cash crops, transforming livelihoods and strengthening resilience against climate change.
