In 2019 Pakistan produced 80,000 tons of sesame seed, of which 22,000 tons was exported. Punjab accounted for 70 percent of the total crop, which belongs to Farmi and Hybrid seed variety, while Sindh accounts for the remaining 30 percent of the produce, mainly natural white and mix crushing quality. Cross border trade accounts for 23,000 tons and the local consumption in 2019 was pegged at 32,000 tons.
In 2020, Pakistan total sesame seed crop is estimated to be around 120,000 tons. 85 percent of the crop is from Punjab region and 15 percent from Sindh region. The yield per acre in Sindh is very low at 240 kg per acre while in Punjab; yield is 640 kg per acre. Due to excess rains in the month of August and September, about 15 percent of the crop is severely damaged. About 14,921 tons of sesame seed has been exported until Nov’2020.
Impact of covid, Government policy changes and its impact
In 2019, Pakistan Government has signed DFT agreement with China for 313 items, including sesame seeds. Due to that Pakistan is able to export to China. So far, sesame seed quality is well accepted by Chinese importers.
The agreement was signed and executed very fast with China; the transit time is very less has resulted in faster rotation to complete the cycle and thus helping the exporters. So far, due to covid, agri business, especially exports were encouraged by Pakistani government.
Availability of manpower for seeding and harvesting was also not disturbed. However, freight rates have increased from USD 150 to 1000 per container depending on the destination. The availability of containers and vessels are very less. Pakistan is mainly exporting sesame seed to China, Japan, Taiwan, Middle-east and a couple of countries from far-east.
It’s been two years and there is no trade with India. India was one of the major markets for Pakistan and every year the business was huge. However, China has opened its markets for Pakistan exporters. The quantity exported has been increased every month and we hope exports to improve going forward. The quantity is good, quality is better and the prices have increased from USD 1000 per ton to USD 1300 per ton, expect sesame exports from Pakistan to increase significantly during this season.

Presentation at World Sesame & Peanut Conference – 2021
Pakistan’s overall production is estimated in the region of 115,000 and 125,000 tons in 2020. Punjab accounted for 85 % of the crop, made up of Farmi and hybrid seed varieties. In contrast, Sindh only accounted for 15% of the natural white and mixed crushing quality produce.
Punjab’s average yield was 240 kg per acre, whereas Sindh’s average yield was 640 kg per acre. Around 15% of the crop was severely damaged owing to unseasonal rains in August and September.

A glance at 2021-22 sesame crop
The predicted harvest size for 2021-22 is around 110,000-120,000 tons, with 80 % from Punjab and 20% from Sindh. The average yield per acre is expected to be similar to that of the previous year. The primary harvesting season runs from the end of August and continues until early September.
This year, hybrid sesame type arrivals were ahead of Farmi, but Sindh sesame type arrivals have been active for the past two weeks, and the quality is superior to Hybrid in terms of seed size and appearance, and color. The PKR has depreciated this year, causing the local market to rise.
Owing to tremendous demand, panic buying, and the entry of new exporters, this season’s crop may be over by the end of December or early January 2022.
Price scenario and factors driving demand
In Pakistan, local prices upsurge almost reached the highest levels due to huge demand and aggressive buying from China. Since harvesting and many local sellers, this kind of demand from China for sesame will drive the market further. Exporters are not interested in selling in bulk quantities at low levels (prices), as well as many Pakistani exporters did short sales, resulting in panic buying.
This year, local consumption and cross-border trade were deficient due to higher pricing; mostly, sesame seeds were exported. The harvest may cease on or before December 2021 if demand continues at the current pace. In addition, Government Policies and Covid-19 Challenges are at ease and have moved to normalize with no further difficulties apart from Higher Seas Freight, Vessels Skipping, and higher oil prices.
Chinese Importers accept that the Sesame Seeds Quality and Pakistan Origin is now preferred due to better quality, branding within China, and less transit.
Q&A:
Approximately half of the crop is still being exported to China’s border / for local consumption. Prices of the crop harvested during the first half have risen from 1100 to 1600 dollars.
Prices are rising owing to panic buying from Pakistani exporters and Chinese importers. Apart from that, the US dollar has been rising every day while the Pakistani currency has been depreciating. When sesame seed arrivals first started, one Pakistan rupee was equivalent to 161-162 dollars now it is 175 dollars. Those who have stock are unwilling to sell and are waiting for the price to rise. For a few days, China was quiet, but they began to float query when prices increased in China.
What is the total number of hulling factories you have? Could you please elaborate on hulling capacity?
The majority of hulling demand for Pakistan originates from Europe; we have 5-6 hulling companies in Karachi and Punjab, with the rest going to local bakeries and other departmental stores.
Presentation at World Sesame & Peanut Conference – 2022