Mato Grosso leads sesame production with 250% growth in 5 years.
The Brazilian sesame market is expanding rapidly, with Mato Grosso standing out as the country's largest producer. In the 2024/2025 harvest, the state recorded a 250% increase in production over the last five years, accounting for more than 60% of national production. The state is responsible for more than 60% of the national sesame production, with a significant increase in productivity and cultivated area. Production growth In the 2024/2025 harvest, Mato Grosso produced 288,900 tons of sesame, an increase of 17.3% compared to the previous harvest. Productivity also showed significant growth, rising from 579 kg/ha to over 720 kg/ha, a result of improvements in management, technology, and genetic enhancement of the seeds. Cultivation characteristics The ideal planting window is from February 10th to March 15th. The average crop cycle is approximately 90 days. The average production cost is R$ 16,600 per hectare. Yields reach up to 600 kg per hectare, with the market paying up to R$ 4 per kilo. Market and export Domestic consumption of sesame seeds in Brazil is low, with the majority destined for the export market. The main destinations for sesame seeds produced in Mato Grosso are: China: 40% India: 20 to 25% Türkiye: third place According to the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics, the area cultivated with sesame in the state has grown by 250% in the last five years, and is increasingly being considered a strategic second-crop option by producers.
Source: https://www.canalrural.com.br/videos/mato-grosso-lidera-producao-de-gergelim-com-crescimento-de-250-em-5-anos/