Burgeoning global demand for sesame seeds 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, often seen 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.
Japan, with its sushi cuisine, is the leading destination of Nigerian sesame seed exports according to Balogun, who said many farmers are responding to growing global demand to increase production of the grain. Other destinations include China as well as Europe and North America.