Introduction
Sesame/beniseed is a widely cultivated chiefly tropical or subtropical annual erect herb (Sesamum indicum of the family Pedaliaceae) also its small seeds used especially as a source of oil and a flavoring agent.
A 3-tablespoon (30-gram) serving of sesame seeds supplies 12% of the RDI for fiber, which is vital for your digestive health.
Sesame seeds may help reduce heart disease risk factors, including elevated triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, they are also high in magnesium, which may help lower blood pressure. Additionally, their antioxidants may help prevent plaque buildup.(healthline.com)
Uses
Sesame as a key ingredient in making:
- Flour
- Oil
- Flakes
- snacks
Growing Sesame
Sesame takes 100-135 days to reach maturity and starting plants indoors a few weeks before the last frost ensures a successful harvest. Germinate plants indoors by planting seeds ¼” deep in a rich growing medium.
Fertile land with sandy loam soil, free from concretions is the most suitable; Sesame can be grown in rotation, following crops such as corn, sorghum, millet or cotton, or it can be grown as a mixed crop with millet sorghum and other types of cereals.
Sowing and harvest period
Sesame seed harvest occurs 90-150 days from planting. Crops must be harvested prior to the first killing frost. When mature, the leaves and stems of sesame plants change from green to yellow to red. The leaves also start to drop from the plants.
Main Producing States in Nigeria.
- Adamawa
- Bauchi
- Benue
- Borno
- Gombe
- Jigawa
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Katsina
- Kebbi
- Kogi
- Nassarawa
- Niger
- Plateau
- Sokoto
- Taraba
- Yobe
- Abuja.
Relevant Agencies in Nigeria.
- National Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria. (NSSAN) .
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