Sesame seed production in Nigeria is an important aspect of the country's agricultural sector. Nigeria is one of the largest producers of sesame seeds in the world, and the crop is grown in various parts of the country.
Sesame seeds are mainly grown in the northern parts of Nigeria, particularly in the states of Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kaduna. These states have favorable climatic conditions for sesame cultivation, such as dry and hot weather, which is essential for the growth of the crop.
Sesame seeds are usually planted in the dry season, between November and February, and harvested between March and May.
Sesame seeds are widely cultivated in Nigeria and have become an important export commodity in recent years. Nigeria is one of the top producers of sesame seeds in Africa, with a production capacity of over five hundred and forty thousand (540,000) metric tons annually. The seeds are used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. If you are interested in starting a sesame seed supply business, this article will provide you with some insights on how to get started.
Research the Sesame Seed Market in Nigeria
Before venturing into the sesame seed business, it is important to conduct extensive market research. You need to understand the market trends, demand, and supply dynamics, and the competition. This will help you to identify potential buyers, their needs, and the quality standards they require.
The Nigerian sesame seed market is diverse, with different types of buyers and sellers. You can supply sesame seeds to local industries that use it as a raw material for their production.
Obtain the Necessary Permits and Licenses
To supply sesame seeds to local industries in Nigeria, you need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses. You will need to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN). You will also need to obtain a permit from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) to export sesame seeds.
Source for Sesame Seeds
Once you have obtained the necessary permits and licenses, the next step is to source for sesame seeds. You can source sesame seeds directly from farmers or buy from wholesalers. You can also establish partnerships with farmers' cooperatives or associations to ensure a steady supply of sesame seeds.
It is important to ensure that the sesame seeds you source meet the quality standards required by buyers. Sesame seeds must be properly cleaned and sorted to remove impurities and foreign matter. The seeds must also be properly stored to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Establish Relationships with Buyers
To succeed in the sesame seed business, you need to establish good relationships with buyers. You can start by identifying potential buyers and contacting them to introduce your business and the quality of your products. You can also attend trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase your sesame seeds and meet potential buyers.
It is important to maintain good communication with buyers to understand their needs and expectations. You should be able to provide prompt responses to inquiries and resolve any issues that may arise. You should also be able to provide samples of your sesame seeds to potential buyers to test the quality.
Develop a Marketing Plan
A good marketing plan is essential for the success of your sesame seed supply business. You need to develop a strategy for promoting your business and reaching potential buyers. You can use various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and content marketing, to reach your target audience.
Establish Quality Control Measures
Quality control is crucial in the sesame seed business. You need to establish quality control measures to ensure that the sesame seeds you supply meet the quality standards required by buyers. This includes proper cleaning, sorting, and storage of the seeds.
You can also invest in quality testing equipment to test the purity, moisture content, and other quality parameters of the sesame seeds. You should also comply with local and international quality and safety standards if you intend to sell sesame seeds.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Nigeria produced about five hundred and forty thousand (540,000) metric tons of sesame seeds in 2020. The cultivation of sesame seeds is concentrated in the northern region of Nigeria, where it is grown as a cash crop by small-scale farmers.
About ninety percent (90%) percent of the sesame seed grown is exported as seed because there is no major processing facility for oil extraction. Locally consumed sesame seeds is processed by different manual means.
The demand for sesame seeds is driven by the food and beverage industry, which uses sesame seeds as a flavoring agent and as an ingredient in various products such as bread, sweets, and snacks.
Sesame seed is an important industrial raw material and there is large, growing and sustainable market for the product. Supplying sesame seed to local industries in Nigeria is a very lucrative business that would generate a lot of revenue for the investors.
