SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO SIMSIM PRODUCTION Sesame (Sesame indicum) is commonly known as simsim in East Africa and ikanyim in Teso. It belongs to family of pedaliaceae. Sesame is one of the most ancient oil crops known to mankind. Its production is rain fed in the tropics and subtropics. Sesame is a short day plant but also grows in long days. Sesame is believed to have originated from tropical Africa, where we have the greatest genetic diversity. It was later taken at a very early date to India where a secondary Centre of diversity developed. Currently the leading producers of sesame are Myanmar, India, China, Sudan, and Tanzania. In Africa the chief producers are Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Improved simsim production has received …show more content…
Sesame is deep rooted and will scavenge for fertility below most crops roots zones, but that only works once. Need to feed/manure the next season. Health Benefits of Sesame: i. Sesame is very good source of protein (25% protein). ii. Sesame seeds help in preventing diabetes. iii. Sesame seeds help in reducing blood pressure. iv. Sesame seeds help in lowering cholesterol in human body system. v. Sesame seeds help in food digestion in human digestive system. vi. Sesame seeds help to alleviate anemia. vii. Sesame seeds protects liver from alcohol damage. viii. Sesame seeds help in preventing wrinkles in human body. ix. Sesame seeds help in bone health and prevent osteoporosis. The Existing Production Situation. Introduction Session 1: Production trends Sesame production in the Western Kenya has existed for centuries and farmers consider it as an indigenous crop. As we can see in the table below, only 12.8% of 500 farmers surveyed in the recent baseline study carried by ADRA are currently planting sesame, most of them buy sesame from the market for their own consumption and avoid engaging in planting because of numerous challenges. Yields, acreage and income from sesame being insignificant. FARMING SESAME Frequency Percent YES 64 12.8 NO 436 87.2 TOTAL 500