Sesame Seed Hulling Plant
Sesame is commonly known as “Till”. Its botanical name is Sesamum indicum L. It is one of the earliest domesticated plants. It is a short duration crop grown throughout the year. The seeds of the plant yield edible oil. Due to the presence of potent antioxidant, sesame seeds are known as “the seed of immortality”. Two distinct types of seed are recognized, the white and the black. There are also intermediate coloured varieties varying from red to rose or from brown or grey.
Sesame seed is an important food ingredient in many countries which is widely known for its health benefits & culinary applications. The nutty morsel is evenly loaded with nutrients and is also used in traditional medicines. With around 45-50% of oil content, sesame seeds impart good texture, rich flavors, unique crunchiness & a certain smokiness to various cuisines across the globe.
Sesame seed oil is extensively used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products, such as soaps and hair oils. Widespread usage of the oil for treatment of scalp dandruff and fungal infections owing to its exceptional medicinal properties is also expected to boost the market in future. In addition, food products such as sauces and pickles use of sesame oil as a preservative to increase their shelf life. Major oil extraction companies are reliant on small- and large-scale sesame farmers for seed collection and extraction of the oil.
Sesame is grown for its edible seeds which are the source of gingelly oil. This oil is used as a substitute for olive oil as a salad dressing and in cooking. The fried seeds are eaten in soups and, mixed with sugar, are a popular sweetmeat in Africa and Asia.
Sesame seed hull contains approximately 35mg of oxalic acid per 100g of hull. Oxalic acid ((COOH) 2.2H2O) may combine with calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, or potassium to form less soluble salts known as oxalates.
Market Outlook
The global sesame seeds market size is expected to reach USD 17.77 billion by 2025. Growing popularity of sesame seeds as a functional ingredient in several foods on account of its ability to facilitate digestion and reduce hypertension is a key driving factor in the market. Furthermore, rising application of the product as an anti-oxidant in various pharmaceutical formulations is expected to drive the market. Robust growth of the pharmaceutical industry in developing countries, including China and India can be attributed to supportive government policies for promoting investments in manufacturing sector. This is projected to open new avenues for the market in future.
The world market for sesame seeds is growing briskly in terms of value as these are rich in calories containing 50% fat, 23% carbohydrates, 18% protein, 12% dietary fiber and some other minerals which have been boosting the usage in food and other applications. Sesame is also called Benni, is an ancient oilseed crop which has been cultivated from the past 3000 years and has been used for confectionery purposes, tahini (Paste), humus, edible oils, cakes and others. Sesame is the most preferred oil when compared to other oils because of its odour, taste, color and chemical composition.
Global Sesame Seeds Market Revenue, By Region, 2015 – 2025 (USD Billion)
Sesame seeds are also used as a key constituent during formulation of cosmetic creams due to their anti-bacterial and skin nourishing properties. The product is used as a key ingredient in massage oils. Positive outlook towards tourism in countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand can be attributed to favorable policies by domestic governments on renovating tourist spots and increased spending on road infrastructure. This is expected to expand the scope of massage therapy among tourists, which could, in turn, fuel demand for sesame seeds.
Growing bakery sector in developed countries, such as U.S. and Japan on account of new product developments pertaining to dietetic products is expected to boost the product demand in future. Furthermore, rising concerns regarding adverse effects associated with consumption of synthetic pharma drugs on a global level is expected to expand the scope of herbal medicines. Increasing demand for herbal medicines is expected to promote incorporation of the product as an excipient for drug delivery.
Key manufacturers operating in the sesame seeds industry include Bayer AG, Syngenta, Orienco, Selet Hulling PLC, SunOpta, SINDAN ORGANIC, and Archer Daniels Midland Company. Establishment of tie-ups with the personal care and food and beverages industries is expected to remain a key driving factor in the market over the projected period.
Indian Sesame Seeds Market:
Today, India ranks first in the production of sesame seeds around the world. It is a country which exports white, black and red/brown sesame seeds in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Sesame seeds are consumed in the form of raw/roasted seeds as well as oil. Black sesame seeds are mostly used to extract oil, due to its high oil producing properties, and the white and brown sesame seeds are added to food.
India produces sesame seeds which can yield around 40% to 50% of the oil. These seeds are used for various reasons across the globe and are also one of the oldest oil seeds known to humans. The seeds are multipurpose and utilized in many countries. In India, around 80% of sesame seeds are grown in the monsoon season, also known as the Kharif season.
India Sesame Seeds – Export Volume Share (2016-17)
Sesame seeds production has been increasing over the years along with its demand. The edible oilseeds coming in the assorted range of white, black & brown are one of the most favored crops to farmers for its resistance to withstand unfavorable weather conditions & grow with minimum attention.
Growing popularity of sesame seeds as a functional ingredient in several foods on account of its ability to facilitate digestion and reduce hypertension is a key driving factor in the market. Furthermore, the rising application of the product as an anti-oxidant in various pharmaceutical formulations is expected to drive growth to the Indian sesame seeds market in the years to come.
India is the leading producer and exporter of sesame seed. India produces a wide range of sesame seed varieties and grades each peculiar to the region where they are grown. India exported US$ 435.6 million while imported US$ 42.9 million of sesame seeds in 2017. India’s sesame seed export to the world saw an upward trend till 2014. In the last decade India’s export reached to US$ 813.6 million in 2014 afterwards it dipped to US$ 477.6 million in 2015 and from there on, it is picking up.
Major Exporter of Sesame Seeds (In Mn USD)
States Producing Sesame Seeds – Sesame seeds are majorly grown in the eastern and western part of India. The major sesame seeds producing Indian states are Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
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