Sesame (Sesamum indicum), one of the world’s oldest cultivated oilseed crops, plays a vital role in global agriculture and the economy. Rich in oil and nutrients, sesame is valued for its diverse industrial uses, spanning food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuel. Major producers including Sudan, India, Myanmar, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and China contribute to a thriving international trade driven by growing demand for sesame seeds, oil, and processed products. However, challenges such as climate variability, pest and disease infestations, price fluctuations, and limited mechanization impact its production and profitability. Advancements in drought-tolerant and high-yielding varieties, alongside better agronomic practices and policy support, offer promising solutions to enhance sesame productivity. Continued research and investments in sustainable cultivation, value addition, and market linkages will ensure sesame’s enduring contribution to food security, farmer livelihoods, and the global agricultural economy.
Sesame, Vital Crop, Farmers, Global Economy
Wei, P.; Zhao, F.; Wang, Z.; Wang, Q.; Chai, X.; Hou, G.; Meng, Q. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Composition, Health Benefits, Development of Food, and Industrial Applications. Nutrients 2022, 14, 4079. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194079
Zhang, H., Langham, D.R., Miao, H. (2021). Economic and Academic Importance of Sesame. In: Miao, H., Zhang, H., Kole, C. (eds) The Sesame Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98098-0-1
