Wednesday November 18, 2020
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Somalia is known globally as the largest exporter of live animals most of them heading to the Middle East markets but little is known about the country’s production of sesame seeds.
The Horn of Africa nation is the eighth largest exporter of sesame seeds despite limited production owing to minimal advancements in the agricultural sector.
According to USAID which funds and supports the agricultural sector in Somalia through its GEEL flagship resilient livelihoods programmes, sesame exports reach over 1,000 tons annually.
A local company, Som Seeds is the main exporter of sesame seeds which are sourced from farmers countrywide, picked and certified before they are exported. The company according to USAID has this year alone exported 1,500 tons of sesame to the Middle East despite the COVID-19 restrictions.
“Somalia continues to defend its position as the eighth largest exporter of sesame in the world. Through the support of GEEL Somalia, Som Seed exported 1,500 tons of sesame seeds to the Middle East this year despite COVID19 restrictions,” USAID said in a tweet.
The company also produces sesame oil but for local consumption. Sesame oil is a favourite in every Somali table finding its way from break-fast to dinner.