Farmers cultivating beniseed, popularly known as sesame (Sesamum indicum), in Ebonyi State have appealed for urgent government intervention to boost production, enhance value addition, and improve their livelihoods.
In separate interviews with our correspondent in Abakaliki, the farmers lamented the neglect of sesame farming despite its high market value and potential as an export crop.
They identified challenges including poor access to improved seeds, lack of farm machinery, absence of ready markets, and inadequate rural infrastructure.
Theophilus Onwe, a farmer from Nkaleke-Echara Unuhu in Ebonyi Local Government Area, described sesame as “a goldmine left untapped.”
“Beniseed is a very valuable crop; the seeds fetch good money, and the oil is in high demand locally and abroad. But most of us still plant manually using old seed varieties. We need improved, high-yielding, and early-maturing seeds. Government should assist us with input subsidies and organise training on modern agronomic practices,” he said.
Patricia Egwuatu, a farmer from Izzi LGA, highlighted the role sesame plays in local diets across the old Abakaliki zone, comprising Izzi Nnedo clan, Ishielu, Ikwo Nnoyo, Ezza Ezekuna, and Ngbo people. Yet, it receives far less attention compared to rice and cassava.
“Absence of good roads and other critical infrastructure have also affected our productivity. Many times, buyers cannot access our villages. If the government can fix rural roads and support us with storage facilities, it would help greatly,” she said.
For Samuel Elom from Ebonyi LGA, the key lies in processing and value addition.
“Often, we sell raw seeds at low prices because we lack facilities for processing or proper storage. If government can establish small-scale processing centres, more youths will embrace beniseed farming,” he suggested.
In Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu LGA, Margaret Nkwuda called for the inclusion of sesame in state agricultural programmes and access to soft loans.
“Let there be cooperative schemes and low-interest credit for beniseed farmers. When farmers are empowered, food security and rural development will improve,” she said.
From Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo LGA, farmer Jacob Ogodo emphasised the crop’s medicinal and commercial value.
“People from different parts of the country come here to buy sesame in large quantities. It is also of high medicinal quality used to treat various ailments. If government supports farmers with loans, improved seeds, and training, we can produce more and generate income for both the state and federal government,” Ogodo said.
Agricultural extension expert, Levi Agha, described sesame as “a small but powerful crop” with high export potential, urging deliberate policy measures to scale up its production nationwide.
“With proper support, beniseed can become a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.”
Nkechinyere Iyioku, commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Ebonyi State, in her submission assured that the state government is committed to supporting farmers across all value chains, including sesame, through training, input distribution, and improved access to markets.
Sesame, known locally as Isisa in the Izzi dialect, is one of the oldest oilseed crops in the world. Apart from being used in traditional delicacies in Ebonyi, it is valued internationally for its oil, paste, and health benefits. Experts say that with targeted investment, Ebonyi could become a leading producer in Nigeria, boosting incomes for thousands of rural households.
Some reasons sesame could be Ebonyi’s next cash crop, high market value
Sesame seeds fetch premium prices locally and internationally, especially for oil extraction and food processing.
Export potential: Nigeria is already among Africa’s top sesame exporters, and Ebonyi can tap into this market with improved production.
Multiple uses: Beyond cooking oil, sesame is used in confectionery, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.
Climate-friendly: The crop thrives in Ebonyi’s climate and can withstand drought better than many staples.
Rural job creation: Expanding sesame farming and processing could engage thousands of youths, boost household incomes, and strengthen rural economies.
