Sesame seeds (or sesamum or benniseed) are the seeds of the tropical annual Sesamumindicum. Sesame production in Nigeria probably began in the middle belt region of the country and later spread out between latitudes 6o and 10o N. Sesame is commonly grown by smallholder farmers.

The major producing areas in order of priority are Nasarawa, Jigawa and Benue States. Other important areas of production are found in Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Gombe and Plateau States. Harvesting begins in late December and continues through July. Each producing area has only one season.

There are two (2) types of sesame produced in Nigeria.

1. White/raw = Food-grade used in bakery industry. 98-100% whitest grade seeds.
2. Brown/mixed = Primarily oil-grade.

The White (Food Grade) seed is grown around the towns of Keffi, Lafia/Makurdi, Doma, and in Nassarawa, Taraba, and Benue States. It is easier to sort and the Fumani/Denin people consume sesame locally. The Brown/mixed grows in the North, in Kano State and in Jigawa State near Hadejia, and somewhat in the southern part of Katsina State.

There is some local consumption of the brown grade, but not much. The brown can be upgraded to Food Grade through bleaching.

The oldest oilseed crop known to humanity, sesame has many species of which most are native to sub-Saharan Africa while Sesame indicum is native to India. According to historical accounts, sesame was traded as early as 2000 BC between the Indian sub-continent and Mesopotamia.

The crop finds mention as a medicinal drug in ancient Egyptian scrolls and was grown in Turkey at least 2750 years ago as per archeological reports. The popularity of sesame in the ancient world is due to the fact that it is a robust crop that can grow in a wide variety of environments. Thus, trade in sesame flourished since the ancient times.

Sesame seed is an excellent source of high quality oils. The oil is very stable and free from undesirable nutrition or flavour components. The oil has a natural anti-oxidant which prevents aging and vital for production of liver cells.

It is also rich in protein. Its protein has disable amino acid profile and good nutritional similar to soy bean.

The demand for vegetable oil is quite high in Nigeria. Sesame oil is used for both domestic and industrial purposes. As industrial oil, sesame oil can be used in the following industries printing ink, paint, cosmetics etc. Edible oil is consumed every day for cooking purposes.

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-SESAME SEED EXPORT IN NIGERIA; THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.
SESAME SEED SUPPLY TO LOCAL INDUSTRIES IN NIGERIA; THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.
SESAME CULTIVATION, CLEANING AND SALES IN NIGERIA; THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.
SESAME CULTIVATION, CLEANING, DE-HULLING AND EXPORT IN NIGERIA; THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.
SESAME CLEANING, DE-HULLING AND EXPORT IN NIGERIA; THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.
SESAME OIL AND CAKE PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA; THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.

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