Sesame Farmers Confront War Consequences, Market Volatility, Trade Winds
Asamirew Mekonnen, 49, has been a farmer all his life. He cultivated sesame on over half of his land in Humera town, Tigray Regional State.
He recalls that he was able to harvest 1,700qtls a few years ago. But his annual harvest decreased to 600qtls which was then sold for 10,000 Br per quintal.
"The production has plummeted," he said.
A quintal of sesame that makes its way from Humera town is sold for a minimum of 1,900 dollars at the international market while trading for close to 12,000 Br at the ECX floor.
Asamirew, the breadwinner of his five children, had to find a better mea...