Nigeria’s sesame seed industry sprouts as global demand soars
Abuja — A burgeoning global demand for sesame seed for hummus, toppings on sushi, health foods and confectionery, is boosting output in Nigeria and spurring expansion in the world’s third-biggest producer. Production of the tiny seeds, easily recognisable on bread rolls, is expected to grow 40% in Nigeria in the 2017-18 season, according to Sheriff Balogun, president of the National Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria. While current output ranges between 400,000 tonnes and 500,000 tonnes per season, "we should see a production of about 700,000 tonnes" with this year’s harvest, he said in an e-mailed response to questions. Japan, with its sushi culture, was the leading destination of Nigerian sesame seed exports, according to Balogun, who said many farmers were responding to growing global demand to increase production of the grain. Other destinations include China as well as Europe and North America. Nigeria is pushing for increased agricultural production and exports as part of Pres...
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