Sesame, also known as benne, is a remarkable crop with deep roots in human history and global cuisine. The global sesame market is a fast-growing market worth around $10 billion, with a 7% annual growth rate. Farmers should consider cultivating sesame for several compelling reasons, based on its agricultural, economic, and environmental benefits:
High Market Demand and Profitability: Sesame is a high-value crop with strong global demand, particularly in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Its seeds are used in products like tahini, oil, and baked goods, with export markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East offering lucrative opportunities.
Low Input Requirements: Sesame is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides compared to crops like maize or soybeans. It thrives in semi-arid conditions, making it suitable for regions with low rainfall or poor soil fertility.
Drought and Heat Tolerance: Sesame is highly resilient to drought and high temperatures, ideal for farmers in areas prone to climate variability. It can grow in temperatures between 20°C and 40°C and requires only 400–600 mm of rainfall annually. Recent studies have shown that sesame can maintain performance under water-limiting conditions that reduced cotton yields by 40% and can thrives at temperatures (+120F°) that will wilt other crops.
Short Growing Cycle: Sesame has a growing period of 90–120 days, allowing farmers to harvest quickly and potentially integrate it into crop rotations or double-cropping systems, maximizing land use and income.
Soil Health Benefits: Sesame has a deep root system that improves soil structure and reduces erosion. It also leaves minimal residue, making it easier to prepare fields for subsequent crops. Additionally, it can be grown in rotation with legumes or cereals to enhance soil fertility.
Smallholder-Friendly: Sesame is well-suited for small-scale farmers due to its low capital investment and adaptability to manual farming techniques. It can be grown on small plots, providing a viable income source for rural households
Climate-Smart Crop: With climate change impacting agriculture, sesame’s resilience to heat, drought, and pests makes it a sustainable choice for future-proofing farming operations.
By cultivating sesame, farmers can diversify income, improve resilience to environmental challenges, and tap into growing global markets, all while maintaining sustainable farming practices