Peter Samuel
Farmers cultivating sesame seeds have described the food crop as an agricultural goldmine, that has been left unharnessed for many decades in Nigeria and across Africa.
They pointed out that if governments at all levels invest massively in the planting and production of the crop, the economy of the country and the continent would receive a tremendous boost.
Sesame seed also known as beniseed in Nigeria , is the seed of the sesamum plant, known for its nutty flavor and widespread use in cooking. It is cultivated for its edible seeds, which are a good source of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Health and Science Africa gathered that the seed is commonly produced by the people of Ebonyi State, South East and Cross River State, South South Nigeria.
Sesame, known locally as Isisa in Izzi dialect of Ebonyi State is one of the oldest oilseed crops in the world and apart from being used in traditional delicacies in Ebonyi State, it is valued internationally for its oil, paste, and health benefits.
According to the farmers, the seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
They said, “Sesame seeds offer a variety of health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile. They are a good source of fiber, healthy fats, protein, various vitamins, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients contribute to improved digestive health, better bone density, and potentially reduced risk of heart disease.
“Additionally, sesame seeds contain antioxidants and compounds that may help manage blood sugar levels and offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.”
The farmers, who lamented over its neglect and government’s lackadaisical attitude towards investing in the massive production of the seeds, appealed for urgent government’s intervention, in order to boost its production and export value across Africa.
They emphasized that once the farming of sesame seeds is encouraged by governments at all levels, the food crop wil take the centre stage, in terms of exportation and boosting of the nation’s economy.
The farmers added that with the consumption of the seeds by Nigerians and by extension Africans, the health state of the population will be improved, considering the seed’s nutritional benefits.
They identified some challenges facing the farming of the crop to include poor access to improved seeds, lack of modern farm implements, absence of ready markets, and inadequate rural infrastructure.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Ebonyi state, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iyioku assured that the state government is committed to supporting farmers across all value chains, including sesame, through training, input distribution, and improved access to markets.
Sesame seeds fetch premium prices locally and internationally, especially for oil extraction and food processing.
The farmers believe that Ebonyi can tap into these markets with improved production and government’s incentive as the seeds are usually used in confectionery, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.
The crop thrives in Ebonyi State’s climate and can withstand drought better than many staple crops.
According to a farmer, Timothy Ejike, from Ebonyi local government areas the key lies in processing and value addition.
“Often, we sell raw seeds at low prices because we lack facilities for processing or proper storage. If government can establish small-scale processing centres, more youths will embrace beniseed farming,” he suggested.
In Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu local government areas of Ebonyi State, one Martina Elom called for the inclusion of sesame in the state’s agricultural programmes and access to facilities.
“Let there be cooperative schemes and low-interest credit for beniseed farmers. When farmers are empowered, food security and rural development will improve also”, she said.
Also, one Ebuka Onana, a farmer from Nkaleke-Echara Unuhu in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, described sesame as “a goldmine left untapped.”
“Beniseed is a very valuable crop; the seeds fetch good money, and the oil is in high demand both locally and abroad, but most of us still plant manually using old seed varieties. We need improved, high-yielding, and early-maturing seeds. Government should assist us with input subsidies and organise training on modern agronomic practices”.
A farmer from Izzi local government areas of Ebonyi State, Faith Agwuata highlighted the role sesame plays in local diets across the old Abakaliki zone, which comprises Izzi Nnedo clan, Ishielu, Ikwo Nnoyo, Ezza Ezekuna, and Ngbo people but still receives far less attention compared to other crops like rice and cassava.
“Absence of good roads and other critical infrastructure have also affected our productivity. Many times, buyers cannot access our villages. If government can fix rural roads and support us with storage facilities, it will help greatly,” she said.
In Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State, farmer Ebenezer Nworie hinted on the crop’s medicinal and commercial values to the state.
“People from different parts of the country come here to buy sesame in large quantities. It is also of high medicinal quality as it is used to treat various ailments. If government supports farmers with loans, improved seeds, and training, we can produce more and generate income for both the state and federal government”.
Agricultural extension expert, Bassey Anthony described sesame as “a small but powerful crop” with high export potential.
He urged deliberate policy measures to scale up its production network nationwide.
“With proper support, beniseed can become a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria,” he noted.
Also, the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Bar. Steve Emenike Nwankpa said his administration is investing in the production of food crops across his local government as none is left unattended to.
“My administration will critically look into the massive planting and production of sesame seeds because of its export, nutritional and medicinal values. Those of us from Izzi clan of the state, do not joke with the delicacies made from the seed. In fact, it is my favourite.
“Sesame seeds is a very good agricultural goldmine that will not only benefit us as a people but also the entire continent of Africa. I want to also call on my counterpart to do same as the massive production of sesame seeds will turnaround the livelihood of rural dwellers.”
Experts say that with targeted investment, Ebonyi could become a leading producer in Nigeria as it will boost the incomes for thousands of rural households.
