Appetite for Sushi, Hummus Boosts Nigeria Sesame Seed Export
- 2017-18 season’s output seen 40% higher than previous year
- Nigeria boosting agricultural output to reduce oil dependency
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A burgeoning global demand for sesame seed for hummus, toppings on sushi, health foods and confectionery, is boosting output in Nigeria and spurring expansion in the world’s third-biggest producer.
Production of the tiny seeds, easily recognizable on bread rolls, is expected to grow 40 percent in Nigeria in the 2017-18 season, according to Sheriff Balogun, president of the National Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria. While current output ranges between 400,000 metric tons and 500,000 tons per season, “we should see a production of about 700,000 tons” with this year’s harvest, he said in an emailed response to questions.