Sesame farmers reaping huge rewards
CHIPINGE farmers that are producing sesame seed — locally known as uninga — are smiling all the way to the bank due to the high demand for the cereal.
Most of these communal farmers are in Rimbi, Matezwa, Checheche, Chinyamukwakwa and Garahwa.
Last week, The Manica Post Business witnessed as a number of sesame seed buyers scrambled to purchase the cereal.
“Most of the buyers are coming from Mozambique where the crop is popular. Due to high demand of the crop, these buyers are now encroaching into Zimbabwe to buy it. Some farmers are also crossing into the neighbouring country to sell their cereal,” said Mr Tulani Thondlana of Checheche.
“A kilogramme of sesame is being sold for around US$0,80c. Due to unavailability of registered buyers in Zimbabwe, farmers opt to sell their crops in Mozambique where they are paid in hard currency,” he said.
Mr Thondlana said his life has changed for the better ever since he ventured into sesame production.
“The crop has changed my life. lt is easy to grow and requires little capital injection. Buyers are offering competitive prices because of the high demand of the crop,” he said.
Mr Thondhlana went on to appeal to Government, through the Agricultural Marketing
Authority, to assist in the marketing of the crop to protect farmers from being ripped off by foreign buyers.
“We appeal to Government to protect farmers by registering sesame growers. This should also apply to buyers as they should also be regulated,” he said.
Mrs Nomatter Muyambo concurred with Mr Thondhlana on the need to protect local farmers.
“It is not safe to smuggle our produce to Mozambique. Some Mozambican buyers take advantage of our desperation to offer low prices,” she said.
Chipinge District Arex extension officer, Mr Tapiwanashe Chagwesha said sesame seed is still being grown at a low scale in Chipinge.
“Sesame seed farming is not new in Chipinge,
but is still being grown at a low scale. Many households grow this crop for their own consumption, especially those who cannot afford to buy cooking oil and peanut butter. The crop has nutritional benefits,” he said.
According to online sources, sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds.
Regularly eating substantial portions of these seeds — not just an occasional sprinkling on a burger bun — may aid blood sugar control, combat arthritis pain, and lower cholesterol.
Although sesame seeds are safe to eat raw, toasting the seeds enhances their nutty flavour and crunchy texture.
Sesame seeds can also be roasted, crushed and then sprinkled over salads.