Sesame seed permit allocation raises concern

THE allocation of sesame seed permits to any buyer has ignited concerns among companies that invested heavily in funding the production of the crop last year.

The companies fear the easy availability of licences will significantly undermine their investments.

A particularly worrying situation is that buyers from neighbouring Mozambique are also reportedly obtaining the licences.

This development has raised fears of a surge in smuggling, which could deprive the country of revenue from legitimate sesame seed exports.

“The allocation of sesame seed buying licences to virtually any buyer is causing serious concerns among companies like ours that have invested heavily in funding crop production,” said an official with one of the companies who requested anonymity.

“We fear this easy availability will undermine our investments.

“We are also particularly worried about reports that buyers from neighbouring Mozambique are obtaining the licences. We appeal to the relevant authorities to look into the matter as with urgency.”

No comment could be obtained from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) acting chief executive, Mr Jonathan Mukuruba, as his phone went unanswered.

However, during a routine meeting last week between the Zimbabwe Sesame Association (ZSA) and AMA, the authority reportedly said that the buying permits would only be issued to the companies that sponsored production last year.

AMA, which regulates sesame, has also reportedly pledged to deploy officers at roadblocks to monitor the movement of sesame and intercept any shipments lacking proper documentation.

ZSA said it would continue to engage with AMA to ensure an orderly marketing season and to protect the interests of legitimate investors, enabling them to purchase their contracted crop and recover their investments.

“Our engagement with AMA will continue to focus on ensuring an orderly marketing season and, crucially, on protecting the interests of legitimate investors so they can purchase their contracted crop,” said ZSA.

Sesame seeds are used in a variety of ways, primarily as a culinary ingredient to add flavour and texture to dishes, and as a source of nutrients and health benefits.

They can be eaten whole, ground, or toasted and are often used in baking, stir-fries, salads, and various other recipes. Additionally, sesame oil is extracted from the seeds and used in cooking and some traditional remedies.

Zimbabwe’s sesame production is on the rise, with an estimated 39 295 hectares planted last year.

Farmers are projected to harvest a total of 27 56 million kg of the sesame grain, based on an average yield of 700kg per hectare. This translates to a financial outlay for buyers, who are expected to spend US$24,8 million in purchasing the crop at a modest price of US$90c per kg.

Contractors are advocating expanded cultivation to meet the robust demand from international markets, including Turkey, India and China. Sesame is increasingly recognised as a key export commodity with the potential to generate substantial foreign currency for Zimbabwe.

The crop’s appeal is further enhanced by its low input costs and minimal need for chemical treatments, making it an attractive option for agricultural expansion. Several banks, including CBZ Agro Yield, NMB Bank and AFC, have already invested in funding sesame production.

Additionally, a local company is planning to establish a sesame processing plant in Checheche, a major sesame-growing area.-herald