AN OVERVIEW OF SESAME PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA FROM 1961 TO DATE: A REVIEW
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Abstract
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) commonly known as Beniseed is one of the cultivated oil seed crops in the world. Since its introduction to Nigeria after the Second World War, it has been regarded as a crop of minor importance compared to groundnut and other cash crops until in 1974, when it became one of the major cash earner in many northern states such as Benue, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Borno, Nasarawa and Niger states. Huge market potential exists for sesame because the demand for its seeds and products is growing both at the National and International levels. Owing to its previous status as a minor crop, there has been little research efforts on the crop in the past but now, many research on how to enhance its growth and yield to meet the demand of the world teaming population has been intensified. This work therefore outline the major sesame producing areas in Nigeria, the production trend from 1960 to date, gave an overview of production practices across the production areas in Nigeria and discussed the major challenges to sesame production and its prospects to Nigerian economy. In conclusion, the paper recommended among other things: Capacity building on sesame crop improvement and post harvest handling to maintain the quality of produce; introduction and identification of better adaptable cultivars with better resistance to important diseases and pests that wil