The demand for sesame seeds is high as buyers/investors go as far as giving farmers loans. In agreement that it would be sold to them directly after harvest. The market for the seeds is very huge. It is second to cocoa in terms of export value. 90 percent of sesame produced in Nigeria is exported abroad. The reason for its high demand is due to its numerous health and industrial benefits. Sesame seeds has high oil content when compared to other oilseed crops. In the last one month, more than 4000 tons have been exported. Sesame cultivation is easy especially with new technology.
Facts
An hectare will give 0.5 tons
A bag is 150k during off season and 120k during season. 10kg of sesame seeds is required for planting a hectare. There are different methods used in planting the seeds; direct seeding, broadcasting etc. In this case we will be looking at broadcasting method.
How to prepare the seeds before cultivation
Treat the seeds with Cypermetrin before broadcasting to prevent ants invasion and picking of the seeds. After treatment mix it with 20kg of sharp sand before spreading for even distribution.
Fertilizer applications
Sesame cultivation doesn’t require too much fertilizer applications, since it’s a light eater. Apply 3 litres of glyphosate per hectare for weed control. If you apply too much fertilizer it will grow too tall and some will eventually not produce or won’t produce on time. Apply Urea only at the juvenile stage.
Pro and con of sesame cultivation
Because it’s a light eater it makes it financially friendly to cultivate and harvest sesame but the major challenge is harvesting as it shatters easily and quickly if you waste time..
Benefits of sesame seeds
- Used in oil production. The oil found in Sardine is sesame oil. It helps to preserve the fish from getting spoilt. Sesame oil contains Magnesium, Calcium, iron, zinc etc.
- Eaten raw as snack, some people mix it with groundnut for snacking
- Good for hair and skin health
Where is sesame cultivation done
There are 26 states currently growing sesame crop in Nigeria. This include; Benue, Bauchi, Delta, Ebonyi, Nassarawa Jigawa, Taraba etc.
Countries that import sesame
China and Japan are the major importers of sesame seeds others are; Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, India etc.
When to cultivate sesame
Sandy loam is best for it. Not to be grown in waterlogged area. From 10th September stop planting,. Note cultivation is from July up until September 9th. Planting and harvesting takes 3 months. It is among the crops you can grow a d harvest within 3 months.
Apply herbicides and keep monitoring your farm by doing routine inspection. Spray fungicide when you notice leaf blight. Apply Gloview and Cypermetrin as pesticides. Watchout for worms and treat the seedlings quickly. Caterpillar force handles worm very well.
It can be planted twice a year, too much water makes it rancid.
Sesame grows well in a well drained sandy loam soil. It is not suitable in alkaline, saline nature and course sandy soil. For upland cultivation use varieties with long duration of 100 to 110 days and in lowland use varieties with duration of 80 to 95 days. It is also know as beniseed, 60 percent is used industrially while 40 percent is for consumption and order use. Some people wonder if it can do well in South East, it is very popular in Ebonyi State: Ngbo people call it eshaw while Izzi people call it esisa
Where can one get the seed to plant since is not common in all areas like rice?
Where is your location
Wow this is brilliant I love the article i think i can plant ot in my side we so have a very good landscape in term of agricultural products. And i have a massive land in my place for farming
Please do, it is the new oil well