Sesame is one of the oldest crops in the world, which is cultivated in many countries, including Iran, China, India, Turkey and Egypt. As one of the important businesses in some countries, sesame trade has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss below:
Advantages of sesame trade:
1- Wide sales market: Sesame is considered as one of the important export products in some countries and has a wide sales market. In countries like China, India, Japan and South Korea, sesame is considered as one of the most important property products, which plays a very important role in their exports.
2- Profitability: Sesame business can be profitable due to its high price. Also, sesame cultivation and production can be done in many water-deficient areas, and this can help increase profitability.
3- Job creation: Sesame business can help create jobs in many low-income areas and this can help the economic prosperity of the region. In Iran, for example, sesame cultivation is very common in provinces such as Khuzestan, Golestan, Fars and Kerman, and it has created good employment in these areas.
4- Processing and related industries: Sesame is used for processing as a raw material in the production of sesame oil and halva, as well as for use in pharmaceutical and food industries. This can help create related industries and increase added value.
Disadvantages of buying and selling sesame:
1- Dependence on natural factors: Sesame cultivation depends on natural factors such as weather, soil, etc., and if these factors are not taken care of, the yield of the product will decrease. For example, in dry and water-scarce areas, sesame cultivation can lead to problems such as drought and lack of water for other areas.
2- Irregular prices: The price of sesame is irregular due to the influence of factors such as supply and demand, weather conditions, prices of other similar products, etc., and this can contribute to fluctuations in income and profitability.
3- Cultivation of weeds: Cultivation of sesame can lead to the cultivation of weeds, which can result in more cost and time for clearing the fields.
4- Risk of diseases: Sesame may suffer from diseases such as root rot, soil fungi, etc., which can lead to a decrease in crop yield and more costs for cultivation and farm care.
In general, sesame trade is considered one of the important trades for many countries, including Iran, which can help create employment, increase profitability, and develop related industries. However, due to the dependence on natural factors, price fluctuations and the risk of diseases, it should be kept in mind that the sesame business also faces challenges that must be faced.
Challenges facing sesame traders:
In addition to the mentioned advantages and disadvantages, the sesame business has other challenges that can affect its business. In the following, we will mention some of these challenges:
1- Limitations in production: Sesame production is dependent on limitations such as cultivation ability, water resources, and weather conditions. These restrictions can prevent the production of more sesame and lead to a decrease in its production and export.
2- Competition with other products: Despite the fact that sesame is an important product, its market is competitive and competes with other products in the market. In this situation, the sesame business must compete with other products and must prove its ability in the market.
3- Restrictions on export: In some countries, there are restrictions on the export of sesame, and you must obtain special permits to export sesame. These restrictions can lead to a decrease in sesame exports and as a result decrease in income and profitability.
4- Import tariffs: In some countries, the import tariffs for sesame are high and this can lead to a decrease in the demand and export of sesame.
5- Changes in consumers’ tastes: According to consumers’ tastes, the demand for different products in the market changes. If consumers’ tastes shift to other products, the demand for sesame will decrease and this can lead to a decrease in income and profitability.
Finally, as one of the important businesses in many countries, sesame business has its advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before entering this industry. Despite the challenges faced by this industry, with the use of reliable resources and proper planning, one can benefit from this business and earn good income and profitability.