1. Key Characteristics & Agronomic Advantages
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Drought Tolerance: Sesame is exceptionally drought-resistant, making it an ideal crop for semi-arid regions of Tanzania (e.g., Dodoma, Singida, Tabora, Shinyanga). It thrives in areas with low and unreliable rainfall where other crops fail.
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Low Input Requirements: It grows well in marginal soils with low fertility and requires minimal fertilizers or pesticides, reducing production costs for farmers.
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Short Growing Cycle: Most varieties mature in 90-120 days, allowing farmers to harvest and potentially plant another crop within the same season.
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Nutritional Powerhouse: Sesame seeds are rich in:
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High-Quality Oil: (45-55% content) renowned for its stability and resistance to rancidity.
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Protein: (~20%) making the seed cake a valuable animal feed.
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Minerals: An excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
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Antioxidants: Contains unique compounds like sesamin and sesamolin.
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