nairametrics:

The name, sesame seeds, might be strange to some Nigerians, but it is a flower plant that has a variety of relatives spread across Africa. It is the most sought after cash crop in Nigeria, after cocoa and it is currently Nigeria’s leading agricultural export in the first quarter of 2018.

Though unknown to many Nigerians, the seed – popularly called Benne seed in the Northern part of Nigeria – is an important crop to the Nigerian agricultural sector in particular, and Nigeria’s non-oil sector in general. The crop is quite largely cultivated in the country, thriving in relatively poor climatic conditions.

Worldwide, there are over 4.8 million tonnes of the seeds produced yearly, with Myanmar being its largest producer. Nigeria is now the 2nd largest African producer, behind Sudan and ranked 7th in the world.

USES

The seed has numerous uses, one of which is its being a very good source of vegetable oil that contains no cholesterol, making it the most demanded vegetable oil in the world.

It can be used in pharmaceuticals, confectionery, cosmetics and many industries for paints, soaps, lubricants, shampoos, etc. Sesame seeds contain 50.5% oil and 25% protein.

TOP PRODUCERS IN NIGERIA


READ MORE: https://nairametrics.com/sesame-seeds-small-seeds-that-could-be-nigerias-black-gold/