In recent years, my country’s sesame import dependence has remained high. Statistics from the China National Cereals and Oils Information Center show that sesame is China’s fourth largest imported edible oilseed variety. Data show that China accounts for 50% of the world’s sesame purchases, 90% of which comes from Africa. Sudan, Niger, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Togo are China’s top five import source countries.
African sesame production has been increasing this century due to surging demand from China. A Chinese businessman who has been in Africa for many years pointed out that the African continent has abundant sunshine and suitable soil. The yield of sesame is directly linked to the local geographical environment. Many African sesame supplying countries are themselves major agricultural countries.
The African continent has a hot and dry climate, abundant sunshine hours, vast land and abundant labor resources, providing various convenient conditions for the growth of sesame. Led by Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mozambique, Uganda and other African countries regard sesame as a pillar industry in agriculture.
Since 2005, China has successively opened up sesame import access to 20 African countries, including Egypt, Nigeria, and Uganda. Most of them have been granted tariff-free treatment. The generous policies have promoted a significant increase in sesame imports from Africa. In this regard, some African countries have also formulated relevant subsidy policies, which greatly promoted the enthusiasm of local farmers to grow sesame.
Popular common sense:
Sudan: The largest planting area
Sudanese sesame production is concentrated on the clay plains in the east and central areas, totaling more than 2.5 million hectares, accounting for about 40% of Africa, ranking first among African countries.
Ethiopia: the largest producer
Ethiopia is the largest sesame producer in Africa and the fourth largest sesame producer in the world. “Natural and organic” is its unique label. The country’s sesame seeds are mainly grown in the northwest and southwest lowlands. Its white sesame seeds are world-famous for their sweet taste and high oil yield, making them highly popular.
Nigeria: highest oil production rate
Sesame is Nigeria’s third most important export commodity. It has the highest oil production rate and huge international market demand. It is the most important export agricultural product. At present, the sesame planting area in Nigeria is growing steadily, and there is still great potential for increasing production.
Tanzania: highest yield
Most areas in Tanzania are suitable for sesame growth. The government attaches great importance to the development of the sesame industry. The agricultural department improves seeds, improves planting techniques, and trains farmers. The yield is as high as 1 ton/hectare, making it the region with the highest sesame yield per unit area in Africa.
Post time: Jul-02-2024
