Sesame has a huge demand across the world. It is known for its high oil content compared to other oil seeds. Beniseed (Sesame) has 40-50% protein content and 20% protein. It also contains antioxidants, essential amino acids and minerals. It has high health benefit.
Uses: Pharmaceuticals, bakeries, confectioneries and cosmetic industries for production of creams and body lotions
It is high production in Nigeria
It is drought resistant and doesn't require too much rainfall
VARIETIES
NCRIBEN 01M-Potential yield of 1 tonne/hectare and oil content of 45%
NCRIBEN 02M-Yield of 750 kg/hectare and oil content of 45%
NCRIBEN 031 Type 4-Yield of 600kg/hectare and oil content of 40%
E8 Variety -Yields about 1200 kg/hectare and 50% oil content
Yandev Variety -Yields 600kg per hectare and 45% oil content
Planting
Gunea Savanah: planting should take place in late April and late August
Sudan Savanah- planting should last week of June-July
It is best to cultivate sesame in a flat land preferably sandy loamy soil where moisture dries up immediately after rain. It should be a low water retention soil with pH of 5 and 6.5. The
vegetation should be cleared to reduce weeds at onset. Tillage is preffered. It can be inter-cropped with groundnuts, cowpea, millet and other crops.
For broadcasting the sesame seeds, it requires that the seeds are mixed with sharp sand (ratio 2:1 or 3:1) to ensure even distribution of plants. The plant requires constant within especially within the first 4 weeks so young plants are not choked. Thinning is also required 3 weeks after planting to ensure adequate spacing of the plants.
Pre-emergence herbicides should be used on the farm prior to planting. Post emergence weed control is also important. Fuselade can be used as it is selective killing all other plants except your sesame plant
NPK and Urea are common fertilizers that can be used. The plant does not require much nutrients especially if the soil is fertile. 2 bags of NPK per hectare is adequate. The
fertilizer is applied all around plant circumference.
Insects attack can be mitigated with the use of organic insecticides or other insecticide that have been tested without negative effect on the sesame plant.
Insects abort flowers and lead to non production of seds. Some insects tie the leaves leading to reduced sunlight
insects can transmit diseases leading to leaf rot and sudden death. Early planting before rainfall is full can reduce disease prevalence.
Harvesting is usually done 4-5 months after planting.
Seeds are best harvested when 40-60% of the capsules(contains sesame seeds) turn yellow. if harvest is delayed, seeds become too fragile leading to shattering and loss of yield. A sickle is used to cut the stem for manual harvesting. The stems are tied in bundles and stored facing upright position. Threshing is then carried out after 2-3 weeks of drying. Processing the seeds involves winnowing to remove debris and sand. It is then packaged and stored.
Over 60% of sesame produced in Africa is exported to Europe and China.
Good agronomic practices are required to yield 1 tonne per hectare