Sesame grows in Mato Grosso and becomes a promising crop for the second harvest
Mato Grosso is the largest producer of sesame in Brazil, accounting for more than 60% of national production. With new technologies, the crop is becoming increasingly profitable and gaining ground in the second harvest season. Sesame cultivation is growing significantly in Mato Grosso. In the last five years, the planted area has increased by 250%, according to the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea). This shows that sesame is becoming a great option for producers in the second crop season. Mato Grosso is the largest producer of sesame in Brazil, accounting for more than 60% of national production. In the 2024/25 harvest, the state produced 288,900 tons, 17.3% more than in the previous harvest. Productivity also increased: from 579.06 kg per hectare to 720.09 kg per hectare. The sesame-growing area in Mato Grosso grew by 250% in five years. The state accounts for more than 60% of national production. Productivity increased from 579 kg/ha to 720 kg/ha. The crop cycle is short, around 90 days. China buys 40% of the sesame produced in the state. This increase in yield comes from more efficient management, the use of technology, and the genetic improvement of seeds. According to agricultural engineer Murilo Sampaio, breeding programs are focused not only on productivity but also on other aspects. "Today, breeding programs are very focused on productivity, but we also have issues of plant health and seed population. With a smaller stand, it is possible to have more productivity in each cultivar," explains Sampaio. Crops gain ground after soy. The short cycle, of approximately 90 days, makes sesame a good option in the agricultural calendar of Mato Grosso. The ideal planting window is from February 10th to March 15th, when rainfall is most favorable. The average cost to plant sesame is R$ 1,600 per hectare, and the yield can reach 1,600 kg per hectare. The market pays up to R$ 4 per kilogram of the grain. This crop is also an alternative for areas where the producer cannot plant corn within the recommended timeframe. "Sesame is planted practically at the end of the corn planting season. When the producer doesn't finish the planting window, sesame is a great option in terms of profitability. The product yields more per hectare and, with low cost, provides excellent profitability for the crop," says Sampaio. External market supports expansion. Production growth is mainly driven by external demand. Domestic consumption of sesame in Brazil is still low, and most of Mato Grosso's production is exported. China is the main buyer, accounting for about 40% of Mato Grosso's sesame production. India follows (25% to 30%) and then Turkey. According to agricultural engineer Leandro Lodea, these three countries are the main destinations for sesame from the state. "Today, sesame from Mato Grosso has three main destinations: China in first place, with about 40%; then India, with 25% to 30%; and Turkey in third. These are the three main buyers," says Lodea. With the increase in cultivated area, productivity gains, and technological advancements, sesame is gaining more and more space in the agricultural system of Mato Grosso and is consolidating itself as an option to diversify the second crop.
Source: https://www.bra1.com.br/agronegocio/id-689448/gergelim_cresce_em_mato_grosso_e_vira_aposta_para_segunda_safra