On April 29, 2025, the Department of Agriculture Punjab hosted a timely and strategic workshop focused on sesame cultivation and its potential for value addition. United Traders joined other stakeholders in the value chain for a deep dive into the future of sesame in Pakistan. The workshop was conducted virtually and brought together policymakers, exporters, agronomists, and farmer associations.
The data presented during the workshop was striking over the past decade, Pakistan’s Sesame cultivation area expanded from 162,000 acres in 2015 to a staggering 1.76 million acres in 2025. This surge is largely attributed to high international demand, better seed technology, and rising awareness about sesame’s nutritional and commercial value. Additionally, yields have improved dramatically—up 56% from 3.82 to 5.96 mds per acre—thanks to better irrigation practices and farmer training.
Globally, Pakistan now ranks 11th in sesame production, trailing top producers like Sudan (1.5 million tons annually), Myanmar, and India. However, in terms of quality—especially hulled sesame seed—Pakistan has managed to carve a niche in premium markets such as the United States, Netherlands, and Poland.
United Traders noted that export demand for hulled sesame is not only robust but rapidly diversifying. Kazakhstan’s demand has increased by 80%, while countries like Gunn recorded a jaw-dropping 4,585% spike. These figures point to growing consumer trends toward natural oils, vegan proteins, and healthy snacks—segments were sesame fits in perfectly.
The workshop also outlined a strategic blueprint for value addition. Sesame oil, with 55% oil content, has versatile uses ranging from culinary to medicinal. Its by-product, seed cake, holds 42% protein content and is ideal for high-quality livestock feed. Furthermore, sesame’s inherent health benefits—being rich in iron and antioxidants—make it a perfect candidate for nutraceutical products.
Processing differentiation was emphasized:
- Hulled Sesame: Preferred for bakery and confectionery use due to its clean appearance.
- Unhulled Sesame: More suitable for oil extraction.
- Roasted Sesame: Targeted toward snack manufacturers and ethnic food markets.
Action plans were laid out to further boost Pakistan’s sesame export profile:
- Hosting annual roadshows and expos to showcase sesame products globally.
- Signing MOUs between growers, processors, and exporters to streamline the supply chain.
- Comprehensive farmer training focusing on sowing periods (Punjab: July, Sindh: mid-June to July) and pest control.
- Strict enforcement of quality standards in line with ISPM and international quarantine regulations.
United Traders plans to expand its sesame division with a new processing line dedicated to hulled and roasted seeds, aiming to meet the evolving needs of international clients.