Review on Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Production Challenges and Opportunities in Ethiopia

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliacae) is an important crop produced in Ethiopia for oilseed production. The objective of this paper is to review the importance of Ethiopian sesame seeds and to indicate the gaps, opportunities and set future recommendations. The crop grows in different regions across the different agro-ecologies in Ethiopia. The production is concentrated in Southwestern and northwestern parts of Ethiopia. Sesame production in most areas is carried out under traditional production systems which results in low production and productivity. Small scale farmers use oxen driven plow and broadcasting in different areas. Due to the variation in climatic conditions, the national productivity of sesame is varying from year to year ranging 7-8 Qt/ha. Application of high seed rate, weeds, insect pests and diseases, moisture stress during critical growth stages, late harvesting which shattering incur high grain loss, poor storage facility, grain loss on field at and before harvesting, and during threshing, cause considerable yield and quality loss. Therefore, to increase yield potential and quality of sesame crop and achieve better profit necessitates improving production techniques, application of improved crop protection techniques, development of high yielding widely adapted cultivars with better resistance to pests, development of improved agronomic and managemental practices and capacity building for experts on sesame crop improvement and post harvest handling, across the sesame growing areas; will have vital role in providing modern sesame production systems in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Sesame; Production; Opportunity; Challenges; Ethiopia