Sesame Farm Management Program

Program Summary

Start Dates

Duration

Fees

Learning Activities

Course Overview

The Sesame Farm Management Program is a specialized training program designed to empower farmers, agribusiness professionals, and agricultural managers with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage high-performing sesame farming operations.

This program covers every aspect of sesame farming, including land preparation, crop management, pest and disease control, harvesting, and value addition. Participants will gain insights into modern cultivation techniques, sustainable farming practices, and export readiness strategies to maximize profitability while addressing market demands and environmental challenges.

Whether you’re an experienced farmer or an entrepreneur exploring sesame farming opportunities, this program provides the tools needed to thrive in the sesame value chain and contribute to food security and economic development.

What You Will Achieve

1

Hands-on Training

Field demonstrations in sesame planting, pest control, and harvesting.

2

Expert Guidance

Led by experienced agronomists and sesame industry professionals.

3

Networking Opportunities

Connect with peers, buyers, and processors in the sesame value chain.

Program Curriculum

Module 1

Understanding the Sesame Value Chain

Gain a comprehensive overview of the sesame industry, exploring its economic importance and value chain opportunities.

Topics Covered:

Global and local demand for sesame seeds, oil, and by-products.
Value addition opportunities such as tahini, roasted seeds, and sesame oil.
Key stakeholders in the sesame supply chain.
Export market opportunities and certification requirements.

Actionable Insights:

Map the sesame value chain to identify key opportunities for growth.
Develop strategies to meet market demands for premium sesame products.

Module 2

Land Preparation and Seed Selection

Learn how to prepare land and select suitable sesame varieties to maximize yield and quality.

Topics Covered:

Soil testing to assess fertility and pH levels.
Land preparation techniques, including plowing, leveling, and weed control.
Selecting high-yield, drought-resistant, and disease-tolerant sesame varieties.
Planting techniques, including optimal spacing and depth for uniform growth.

Actionable Insights:

Develop a soil management plan for long-term fertility.
Choose seed varieties that align with your region’s climate and market demands.

Module 3

Irrigation and Water Management

Master efficient water management practices to support sesame growth and conserve resources.

Topics Covered:

Sesame’s water requirements and drought resistance characteristics.
Installing and managing drip irrigation systems for precise water application.
Rainwater harvesting and efficient water use practices.
Developing irrigation schedules for critical growth stages like flowering and pod formation.

Actionable Insights:

Implement water-saving techniques to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Use rainwater harvesting systems to supplement irrigation during dry periods.

Module 4

Nutrient Management and Soil Fertility

Learn strategies to maintain soil health and provide essential nutrients for optimal sesame growth.

Topics Covered:

Applying balanced fertilizers, including NPK and micronutrients like boron and zinc.
Incorporating organic fertilizers, compost, and green manure.
Timing fertilizer applications to match sesame growth stages.
Crop rotation practices to sustain soil health and productivity.

Actionable Insights:

Develop a nutrient management plan tailored to sesame crops.
Integrate organic amendments to improve soil structure and fertility.

Module 5

Pest and Disease Management

Explore integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect sesame crops.

Topics Covered:

Common pests like sesame seed bugs, aphids, and whiteflies.
Managing diseases such as leaf spot, wilt, and powdery mildew.
Using biopesticides and natural predators to reduce chemical inputs.
Monitoring and early detection systems to prevent outbreaks.

Actionable Insights:

Implement IPM strategies to minimize pest and disease impact.
Train workers to identify early signs of pest and disease issues.

Module 6

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

Learn the best techniques for harvesting sesame at peak maturity and ensuring proper handling.

Topics Covered:

Determining the optimal harvest time based on pod maturity.
Manual and mechanized harvesting methods to reduce losses.
Drying sesame to the desired moisture content (6–8%) for storage.
o Best practices for storage and packaging to maintain seed quality.

Actionable Insights:

Develop a post-harvest management plan to reduce losses and improve quality.
Implement proper packaging techniques to meet market standards.

Module 7

Value Addition and Processing

Discover how to add value to sesame products and create new revenue streams.

Topics Covered:

Processing sesame into oil, tahini, snacks, or roasted seeds.
Branding, packaging, and certification for premium markets.
Utilizing by-products like sesame cake for animal feed.
Certification processes for organic, non-GMO, or fair trade markets.

Actionable Insights:

Develop branded sesame products for niche markets.
Leverage certifications to access premium buyers and export markets.

Module 8

Financial and Business Management

Learn to manage finances and access markets for sustainable profitability.

Topics Covered:

Creating financial plans and budgets for sesame farming operations.
Exploring funding opportunities, grants, and subsidies.
Pricing strategies and understanding market trends.
Building relationships with buyers, processors, and exporters.

Actionable Insights:

Develop a financial plan to optimize costs and maximize returns.
Build partnerships with processors and export buyers.

Module 9

Sustainability and Climate Resilience

Focus on sustainable farming practices to enhance productivity and resilience.

Topics Covered:

Conservation tillage, crop rotation, and intercropping to improve soil health.
Adopting drought-resistant sesame varieties to adapt to climate change.
Renewable energy solutions for irrigation and processing.
Practices to reduce carbon footprints and enhance biodiversity.

Actionable Insights:

Transition to sustainable farming practices to meet global standards.
Explore carbon credit opportunities through eco-friendly practices.

Why Study at the Nigerian College of Agribusiness?

No other institution in Africa offers such a comprehensive approach to agribusiness and development sector education as the Nigerian College of Agribusiness. We provide a unique blend of academic rigor, practical expertise, and industry connections. Here, you will learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields and deeply engaged with the latest advancements in their industries.

We leverage interdisciplinary knowledge and the latest research to enhance our programs, ensuring they are relevant and impactful. At NCA, you will continuously engage with thought leaders who are constantly shaping the dynamics of their industries and after graduation, you will be a life-long member of a vibrant alumni community that continually foster cross-disciplinary learning and networking.

Admission Process

STEP 1: Complete the Application for Admission Form for the course

STEP 2: A non-refundable application fee of N20,000 applies and will be deducted from the tuition upon enrollment. This is payable into
Zenith Bank
Account Name: Nigerian College of Agribusiness
Account Number: 1228461510

STEP 3: Attach receipt of Application fee with your highest academic credential and submit to: [email protected]

STEP 4: Upon successful evaluation of your application, you will receive your Admission Letter indicating acceptance into the program. The Letter will also contain details of enrollment into the Course.
Click on the link below to fill the application form for this course

Tuition Fees

Local: N450,000

International Students: $400

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