How to Plant Sesame in Nigeria
Sesame, known as “beniseed” in Nigeria, is a versatile and highly sought-after crop.
Its seeds are used in cooking, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest producers of sesame, with an ideal climate and suitable soil for its cultivation.
This article will guide you through growing sesame, from understanding the plant to managing pests and diseases and maximising your yield.
Description of Sesame Plant
The sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) is an erect annual herb that grows to 60 to 120 cm (2 to 4 feet) high.
It has broad, flat leaves that vary in size, becoming smaller as they approach the top.
The plant produces tubular flowers that can be white, pink, or purple.
Later, they develop into elongated capsules containing numerous tiny, oval seeds.
Depending on the variety, these seeds come in different colours, such as white, black, yellow, or brown.
Sesame is known for its drought resistance and adaptability to various soil types, making it a favourable crop in Nigeria, where the climate can vary significantly from the northern to the southern regions.
The Planting Season for Sesame in Nigeria
The best time to plant sesame in Nigeria is during the rainy season, as sesame plants require sufficient moisture for seed germination and early growth.
Depending on your location in the country, the planting season typically falls between May and July.
In the northern regions, where the rainy season starts earlier, sesame is planted around May or early June.
In the southern and central regions, planting may extend into July.
However, sesame plants prefer a well-drained environment, so avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging, especially as heavy rains taper off.
Planting Sesame
Step 1: Choose a Location
The success of your sesame cultivation largely depends on the location.
Sesame thrives in areas with full sunlight and warm temperatures.
It prefers sandy loam soil with good drainage and a pH between 5.5 and 8.5.
Ensure the chosen location has sufficient sunlight, as sesame is sensitive to shade and performs poorly in low-light conditions.
Additionally, areas with gentle slopes or flat terrain work best for sesame because they allow easy drainage.
Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation
Proper land preparation is critical to maximizing your sesame yield.
Start by clearing the land of weeds, stones, and debris.
Sesame does not compete well with weeds, particularly during the early stages of growth.
You can achieve land clearing through manual means or mechanized methods, depending on the scale of your farming.
Once the land is cleared, till or plough the soil to break up large clumps and enhance the aeration.
Sesame seeds are tiny and need a fine seedbed to ensure good soil-to-seed contact.
Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility and structure if possible.
A well-prepared field ensures that the sesame plants establish a sound root system, vital for their growth and yield.
Step 3: Means of Propagation
Sesame is propagated by seeds.
The seeds are tiny, so handling them carefully during sowing is essential.
Certified, high-quality seeds are essential for good germination rates and healthy crop growth.
You can purchase sesame seeds from agricultural suppliers or research centres.
Step 4: How to Plant Sesame from Seed
Sesame seeds should be planted in rows to ensure optimal spacing and ease of management.
The recommended planting depth is about 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.5 inches).
Depending on the size of your farm, you can broadcast or drill the seeds directly into the soil by hand or using a seed drill.
For best results, plant sesame seeds at a spacing of about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) between rows and 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) between plants within the rows.
This spacing allows enough room for the plants to grow without competing for resources.
After planting, lightly cover the seeds with soil and firm it down to ensure good soil-to-seed contact.
Step 5: Watering
Sesame is relatively drought-resistant but requires adequate moisture during germination and early growth stages.
If rainfall is insufficient, supplemental watering is necessary. Irrigation should be applied carefully to avoid waterlogging, as sesame does not tolerate excessive moisture.
Once the plants are established, the frequency of watering will be reduced.
Sesame plants have deep root systems that allow them to access moisture from deeper soil layers.
Overwatering can lead to root diseases and reduce yield.
Step 6: Apply Manure
Applying organic manure or fertilisers is essential to boost the soil’s nutrient content, particularly in areas with low soil fertility.
Organic manure, such as compost or well-rotted animal manure, improves soil structure and provides a slow-release source of nutrients.
If chemical fertilisers are preferred, a balanced NPK fertilizer (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) can be applied at planting time and during the growth stages to enhance plant vigour and productivity.
Apply manure or fertilizer evenly across the planting area before sowing the seeds or as a top dressing once the plants are established.
Maturity and Harvest
Depending on the variety and growing conditions, sesame plants typically mature 90 to 130 days after planting.
As the plants mature, the leaves turn yellow and drop, and the seed capsules will start to dry out.
Harvesting must be done carefully to prevent the loss of seeds, as sesame pods can shatter easily when fully ripe.
Manual harvesting involves cutting the plants at the base when most of the capsules have turned brown.
The harvested plants are left to dry in the field for several days before threshing to separate the seeds from the pods.
Alternatively, larger farms can speed up the process by using mechanised harvesting.
After harvesting, the seeds should be dried further to reduce moisture content and prevent spoilage during storage.
Pest and Diseases
Various pests and diseases can affect sesame crops, significantly reducing yields if not controlled properly.
Common pests include:
- Sesame leaf roller: This caterpillar feeds on the leaves, reducing the plant’s photosynthetic ability.
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plants, causing stunted growth.
- Whiteflies: These can spread viral diseases and weaken the plants by feeding on sap.
- Termites: They attack the roots of the plants, causing wilting.
Common diseases include:
- Leaf spot: Fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves.
- Bacterial blight: A bacterial infection that leads to yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
- Fusarium wilt: A fungal disease that causes the plants to wilt and die.
- Powdery mildew: A fungal infection that covers the leaves with a white, powdery coating, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Pest and Disease Control
To manage pests and diseases effectively, consider the following control measures:
- Crop rotation: Avoid planting sesame in the same field year after year to reduce the soil’s build-up of pests and diseases.
- Weed control: Keep the field free from weeds, as they can harbour pests and compete with sesame for nutrients.
- Biological control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs to help control aphids and other pests.
- Chemical control: In severe infestations, insecticides and fungicides may be necessary. Use pesticides responsibly and follow recommended guidelines to avoid harming beneficial insects and the environment.
- Sanitation: Remove and destroy any infected plant material to prevent the spread of diseases.
How Many Sesame Plants Can I Grow in a Plot (100 ft by 50 ft) of Land, and What Quality of Sesame Can I Harvest?
A plot measuring 100 feet by 50 feet is approximately 465 square meters.
With recommended plant spacing (about 30-40 cm between rows and 5-10 cm between plants within the rows),
you can plant roughly 11,000 to 15,000 sesame plants on this land size, depending on your exact spacing.
The yield of sesame per hectare in Nigeria typically ranges between 500 and 1,000 kg, depending on soil fertility, rainfall, and management practices.
On a plot of 465 square meters, you can expect a harvest of about 25 to 45 kg of sesame seeds, assuming optimal growing conditions and proper management.
Sesame Species and Varieties in Nigeria
In Nigeria, there are several sesame species. They are;
- Sesamum alatum
- Sesamum radiatum
- Sesamum indicum
The most common sesame species grown is Sesamum indicum.
However, within this species, there are different varieties, such as:
- NCRIBEN-05E (Kenena 4),
- NCRIBEN-04E (Ex-Sudan)
- NCRIBEN-02M (TYPE-4 (NO.1)
- NCRIBEN-01M (530 – 6 -1)
- NCRIBEN-03L (GOZA-25)
Sesame seeds come in different colours:
- White sesame: This variety is popular for its light-colored seeds and is often used for oil extraction and as a condiment.
- Black sesame: Known for its darker seeds, black sesame is also used for oil production and in the food industry.
- Yellow sesame: This variety produces seeds that are slightly yellow and are also used in food processing and oil production.
Each variety has slightly different growing characteristics and end-use applications, but all can be cultivated successfully in Nigeria’s climate.
Conclusion
Growing sesame in Nigeria offers an excellent opportunity for farmers, mainly due to the increasing demand for sesame seeds locally and internationally.
Following the steps outlined in this guide, from selecting the right location to managing pests and diseases, you can cultivate a healthy sesame crop and achieve good yields.
Proper land preparation, timely planting, and pest management are key to maximizing your output and ensuring the quality of your sesame seeds.
I hope this article was helpful.
