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Ashton Mutyavaviri
NATIONAL trade and development promotion organisation (ZimTrade) is exploring the possibility of exporting sesame seed to Egypt, Malawi and Ghana.
Recently, on X (formerly Twitter) post ZimTrade stated that they had visited Mushumbi to assess the potential exporting sesame seeds adding that farmers would be assisted to make inroads into the export markets.
ZimTrade said sesame oil seed is a low hanging fruit that can drive exports from farmers across the country, given the good climatic conditions, which can promote abundant supply of grain, tobacco, fruits, vegetables and other produce.
Sesame, also known as benni-seed, is a highly sought-after commodity in international markets due to its versatility and nutritional value.
Sesame seeds are rich in essential nutrients, such as protein, fibre and antioxidants, making them a popular ingredient in various cuisines and food products.
The global sesame export market presents a vast array of opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters.
Sesame production in Zimbabwe has been limited in the past three years. However, due to growing health aiding benefit of the crop, global demand has soured. It is this unmet demand that presents opportunities for development into a viable cash crop locally and for the export markets.
Venturing into Sesame production therefore presents an alternative cash crop especially for small scale farmers.
There is need for farmers to diversify their crops, focusing on niche produces that can be value added into different high-end products
Farmers could generate sustainable revenue from growing and exporting sesame oil seed.
Sesame varieties are suitable for a range of soils, but generally prefer fertile and well-drained soil in warmer climates
The diverse uses of sesame, from direct consumption as food to an ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, makes it a high-value product in regional and international markets
Increased awareness to consumers on the benefits of sesame seed and support to farmers on production and marketing will enable the more than 1 200 small-scale farmers currently producing sesame to increase production
According to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), global sesame seed market will reach US$17,77 billion by 2025. Production is forecast to reach 9,26 million tonnes by 2040, up from 5,53 million tonnes in 2017. The demand for sesame in China alone is expected to reach 2,56 million tonnes in 2040, up from 1,3 million tonnes in 2016.
Meanwhile, according to Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment report 1, sesame hecterage has rose by over 100 percent from 27537 the previous season to 71990 hectares in 2023-24 season.
Mashonaland was the leading province with 30390 hectares followed by Masvingo (30224), Manicaland (9857), Midlands (1161), Matabeleland South (352), Matabeleland North (5) and Mashonaland East (1) hectares.
Mashonaland West was the only province that no sesame production took place after recorded zero hectares.
Government has made food and nutrition security a top priority and is working towards attaining a US$13,75 billion agriculture industry by 2025.
Online Reporter