Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
THE 2025/26 sesame marketing season has closed with the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) formally recording 2.315 million kilogrammes of the crop valued at approximately US$1.84 million, as Government moves to strengthen the formal marketing of high-value agricultural commodities.
The sesame marketing season officially closed on 14 August with AMA saying the recorded volumes were channelled through registered buyers.
The authority also stepped up compliance monitoring during the season, resulting in seven compliance tickets valued at US$7 000 being issued for identified violations.
A further 26 096.33kg of sesame, valued at approximately US$18 630.80 was confiscated and subsequently auctioned during compliance operations.
In a notice to sesame producers, contractors, buyers, traders and other stakeholders, AMA said the season had recorded significant activity through the formal marketing system.
“During the season, a total of 2,315,001 kilogrammes of sesame, valued at approximately US$1.84 million, was formally recorded through registered buyers,” AMA said.
Sesame is regarded as an increasingly important cash crop, with potential to generate foreign currency through exports while creating opportunities for farmers and other players across the agricultural value chain.
The compliance measures by AMA are aimed at ensuring that produce is marketed through registered players and curbing the diversion of agricultural commodities outside formal channels.
The confiscation and subsequent auctioning of the crop also underline the authority’s efforts to enforce marketing regulations and protect legitimate producers, contractors and buyers operating within the formal system.
AMA said the compliance drive would continue as it works with stakeholders to improve productivity and strengthen the formal marketing of sesame.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2026/27 summer cropping season are already under way with registered and prospective sesame contractors being urged to submit their summer cropping and contracting plans to AMA.
The plans are expected to assist in improving coordination between contractors and producers while ensuring that marketing arrangements are established ahead of the new season.
AMA said it would continue working with producers, contractors, Government institutions and other stakeholders to improve productivity, strengthen compliance and expand formal marketing channels.
The authority’s focus on formalising the sesame value chain is also expected to improve traceability of the crop and strengthen Zimbabwe’s capacity to position sesame as an export-oriented commodity.
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