Sesame plants are drought tolerant and can be grown in areas where other crops would fail. Small-scale farmers often choose to grow sesame seeds because it is fairly easy to cultivate.
Planting is normally done with a mechanical planter, and seeds are planted on ridges.
During the growing season, weeding and pest control are important. The most vital stage for weeding is in the first month after planting.
Sesame seeds are ready to be harvested between 90-130 after planting.
When the majority of the capsules turn dark, the harvest starts. If the harvest is delayed, seeds might drop off the plant when harvested.
In the case of small-scale farmers, plants are cut down using a sickle. They are then bundled together and left upright to dry.
A week after the harvest, these bundles are threshed to gather the seeds. Bundles are often lightly beaten with a stick over a tarp. Seeds drop down on the tarp and are collected.
Source: Agri4Africa
After threshing, foreign debris is removed and the seeds are sieved and cleaned. This is done either manually or with mechanical separators.
Sesame seeds are best stored at moisture levels below 10%. Further drying might be needed at this stage. Sesame seeds are best stored unshelled, in dry conditions.
