Product Description

Wollega type sesame seeds are the mixed/brownish coloured variety which comes from Wollega region. Whitish sesame seeds wollega type, usually it is suitable for oil crashing. While it has the potential to grow in different parts of the country, sesame grows mainly in the northern and northwestern regions of Ethiopia (Humera and Wollega).

For areas with shorter rainy season periods, the planting period should fall immediately after the onset of the rainy period (June to mid-September).

Domestic Scenario: Ethiopia is known to be the center or origin and diversity for cultivated sesame. Sesame seed is one of the oilseed crops grown in Ethiopia. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Today, India and China are the world's largest producers of sesame, followed by Burma, Sudan, Mexico, Nigeria, Venezuela, Turkey, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Product Varieties: The improved varieties of sesame seen in use in the country include Adi, Abasena, Qelfo 74, Mehado-80, Argene, Terkamo, E, S, T-85 and Tate.

Agro-Ecological Conditions: The growth of sesame is indeterminant, as the plant continues to produce leaves and flowers so longs as the weather permits. Weighing roughly one ounce each, seeds of lighter colors are considered of higher quality. Sesame is drought tolerant though not tolerant of water logging.

While it has the potential to grow in different parts of the country, sesame grows mainly in the northern and northwestern regions of Ethiopia (Humera and Wellega). For areas with shorter rainy season periods, the planting period should fall immediately after the onset of the rainy period (June to mid-September). The planting period for areas with longer rainy seasons (late May to October) the planting period should fall in the middle of that period, during which the farmer can benefit from both the rain and sun. Additionally, sesame seed can grow well in lowland/humid areas with altitudes of up to 1,250m with preferred rainfall of 500-800mm.