Ethiopia has significantly increased its sesame seed cultivation, spurred by the rising demand for the commodity globally and local economic factors. Farmers are expanding sesame seed acreage, particularly as more lucrative crops are facing challenges in terms of profitability. The Ethiopian government has been encouraging the diversification of crops, with sesame seeds emerging as a more reliable alternative for farmers in regions with suitable climates for its growth.
The move towards expanding sesame seed farming comes at a time when global markets are showing increasing interest in this versatile oilseed, especially from India and other Asian countries. This shift is a response to the relatively low returns from traditional crops, which have seen fluctuating market prices and unfavorable weather conditions. As a result, many farmers in Ethiopia are turning to sesame seeds to secure more stable income.
Despite the hopes for price hikes, there have been challenges in achieving the desired price increase. However, the larger crop yield from Ethiopia is expected to impact the global sesame seed market, potentially contributing to an increase in export opportunities, particularly for high-quality sesame.
This expansion in sesame seed production not only boosts local economies but also enhances Ethiopia’s agricultural sector’s competitiveness on the global stage.
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