[01] Negash Geleta Ayana, Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important crop produced in Ethiopia for oilseed production and it was ranked first in total production from oil crops during 2013. The objectives of the study were to review the status of production and productivity, marketing, oil extraction and purification methods of Ethiopian sesame seeds, and to indicate the gaps, opportunities and set future recommendations. The study indicated that three varieties namely; T-85, Kelafo-74 and Mehado-80 are dominantly produced in Ethiopia for export purpose. Ethiopia exports majorly the raw seed to China and Japan. The demand for export is mainly determined by the colour, taste, purity and dryness of the seeds, while the opportunity to export refined sesame oil to Europe, USA and other countries are not well established. On the other hand, Ethiopia is the net importer of refined oil for soybean and palm. The quality of sesame seed oil is determined by the compositions of fatty acids. Sesame oil has a high content of favoured linoleic and oleic acids which contain antioxidant which prolongs the shelf-life of both the oil and other food fried in the oil. In addition, after extraction of oil the mill contains high protein for human food and animal feed. The few refineries like Addis Modjo and crushing or refinery unit of MULAT are the good prospects to export refined oil to developed countries; however, the quality standard of the industries should meet the international standard to be competent in the market. In the future, organic seeds and refined oil are good prospects for Ethiopian industries for export. Sesame crop production status and oilseed production, marketing and its future prospects are discussed.

Ethiopia, Fatty Acid, Marketing, Oil Content, Sesame Seeds

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