Sesame Yields at Risk from Weather and Smaller Crops
Sesame, a key crop for both oil and seeds, is facing growing challenges due to changing weather and reduced farming areas. Major sesame-producing regions are already seeing less land dedicated to its cultivation, sparking concerns about lower yields in the next harvest. This issue is made worse by unpredictable and unfavorable weather, such as the heavy rainfall seen in 2023.
Though sesame is known for its ability to thrive in warm climates, it can still be harmed by too much rain during important stages of growth like flowering and seed formation. Recent reports from Pakistan suggest that heavy rains could damage sesame crops, leading to smaller harvests. Even as more land is being planted with sesame, unpredictable rainfall threatens to cancel out the benefits of increased farming.
In northern Uganda, sesame yields are also falling due to erratic weather, poor pest control, and worsening soil quality. Small farmers, who produce much of the sesame in this region, are especially impacted. While efforts are underway to introduce drought-resistant varieties, the challenges are still significant.
On a global scale, the pressure on sesame production could lead to higher prices, as demand continues to grow, particularly from markets like China. Even though countries like India have increased their planting, the overall yield still heavily depends on favorable weather. If heavy rains continue to disrupt production, global sesame supplies may shrink, affecting both local and international markets.
In response, some countries are introducing new farming techniques and climate-smart practices to help sesame crops withstand the effects of pests and unpredictable weather. As sesame remains an important crop worldwide, it will be necessary to address these challenges through ongoing research and improved farming methods to maintain stable production in the future.
References
Africa Innovations Institute. (2024). Crop scientists initiate climate smart innovations to improve simsim (sesame). Africa Innovations Institute. https://www.afrii.org
Czapp. (2024). Supply constraints, Chinese demand likely to push sesame prices higher. Czapp. https://www.czapp.com
Tinker and Bell. (2024). Sesame seeds: From cultivation to harvesting. Tinker and Bell. https://www.tinkerandbell.com
BMC Plant Biology. (2023). The influence of climate change on the sesame yield in North Gondar, North Ethiopia. BMC Plant Biology. https://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com