Zimbabwe recorded over 2.3 million kilogrammes of sesame sales valued at approximately US$1.84 million during the 2025/26 marketing season, latest data shows.

According to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), the marketing season officially closed last week, with all sales formally processed through registered buyers.

“AMA commends all farmers, contractors and value chain stakeholders who contributed to the continued development and formalisation of Zimbabwe’s sesame industry,” AMA said in a statement.

To protect the growing market, the regulator intensified compliance monitoring across production zones to curb illegal side-marketing and enforce orderly trade.

During regulatory operations, the authority issued seven compliance tickets totaling US$7,000 for various violations.

Furthermore, enforcement officers confiscated 26,096.33 kilogrammes of sesame, valued at roughly US$18,630.80, which was subsequently auctioned in accordance with regulatory procedures.

With the current marketing period wrapped up, focus has shifted toward the upcoming 2026/27 summer cropping season.

AMA directed all registered and prospective contractors to submit their seasonal production and contracting plans within the prescribed timelines.

The regulator reiterated its long-term strategy to partner with growers, contractors, and government bodies to boost yields, strengthen regulatory compliance, and position sesame as a strategic, export-oriented commodity for the nation.