Sesame, commonly known as simsim, is a highly valued crop in Kenya. This versatile seed is predominantly grown in the North, West Nile, Teso, and Kapchorwa sub-regions of Uganda. Its oil is widely used for cooking, making it an indispensable ingredient for Kenyan culinary traditions. In this blog post, we will explore the process of dehulling sesame seeds and the potential it holds for both local consumption and export. Let’s dive in!
Dehulling for Edible Goodness
Some varieties of sesame seeds possess a black coating that imparts a bitter taste, rendering them inedible. To make these seeds palatable, the dehulling process is crucial. Removing the black coating reveals the white-colored sesame seeds, which can be used in a myriad of delicious preparations such as sweets, groundnut butter, powders, and chutneys. Additionally, dehulling sesame seeds eliminates the high oxalate content found in the black coating, resulting in seeds of better nutritional quality.
Production Process
The dehulling process involves several steps to ensure the highest quality of sesame seeds. Firstly, the dark seeds undergo an alkali treatment for a short duration. Subsequently, the seeds are thoroughly washed with cold water to eliminate any traces of alkali. After this cleansing process, the seeds are dried, resulting in white, dehulled sesame seeds that are free from bitterness and potential fungal infections.
Financial Considerations
Setting up a dehulling plant for sesame seeds requires an estimated fixed capital of US$3,900. Operating costs are projected to be around US$142,793. However, this investment has the potential to generate substantial revenue, with an estimated total revenue of US$202,800 in the first year of operation. These figures depict the profitability and market viability of producing white sesame oil.
Market Analysis
The demand for whiter sesame oil is experiencing a significant surge in the market. Due to its plant-based nature, sesame oil is considered a healthier alternative to other cooking oils, as it contains less cholesterol. This popularity has led to a high demand for sesame oil in various establishments such as restaurants, hotels, fast-food shops, groceries, and supermarket chains. Moreover, with its export potential, Kenya stands to benefit from catering to the Arab world’s demands for high-quality sesame oil.
Government Support
The Kenyan government actively promotes value addition to agricultural produce, aligning this project with their policies. Notably, the equipment required for this dehulling project can be procured locally, saving both costs and resources.
Conclusion
The dehulling of sesame seeds brings forth a world of possibilities for Kenya’s culinary industry. By producing whiter sesame oil, Kenya can satisfy the increasing local demand for healthier cooking oils while tapping into the export market. With government incentives and ample support available, entrepreneurs seeking to venture into this industry can look forward to a lucrative future.
