Core Insights - The traditional manual harvesting methods for sesame are labor-intensive and inefficient, leading to a significant limitation in planting area and high costs for farmers [1][5][6] - Despite being the largest producer and consumer of sesame, China faces a paradox of high demand and shrinking planting areas, with a notable increase in import dependency [3][4][11] Group 1: Market Dynamics - China is the world's largest sesame importer, with a total trade volume of 1.224 million tons in 2024, accounting for 24.04% of global trade [3] - The planting area for sesame has been in decline since 2000, dropping to less than one-third of the area in 2000 by 2017 [3][5] - Rising sesame prices, which peaked at over 8 yuan per jin, have not translated into increased planting area due to the challenges of traditional harvesting methods [4][5] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The development of machine-harvestable sesame varieties, such as Yu Zhi NS610 and Yu Zhi ND837, has been a significant breakthrough, allowing for easier harvesting and higher yields [7][8][10] - The introduction of these new varieties has led to a reduction in production costs from 600-800 yuan per mu to 300-400 yuan per mu, significantly enhancing profitability for farmers [11] - The adoption of machine-harvestable sesame varieties has increased rapidly, with over 60% of sesame planting area in certain regions now utilizing these varieties [9][11] Group 3: Industry Support and Growth - Local governments have implemented various support policies to promote sesame cultivation, but high costs and labor demands remain challenges [5][6] - The integration of mechanical harvesting with improved cultivation techniques has led to a resurgence in sesame planting, with average yields increasing from 106 kg/mu to over 118 kg/mu [11][12] - The rapid adoption of machine-harvestable sesame varieties has attracted interest from international markets, with countries like Ethiopia and Nigeria seeking to collaborate on sesame research and production [17][19] Group 4: Future Prospects - The ongoing development and promotion of innovative sesame varieties and mechanization techniques are expected to revitalize the sesame industry, enhancing its competitiveness on a global scale [20][21] - The establishment of international collaborations and technology sharing initiatives aims to foster sustainable development in the global sesame market [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the new sesame variety "Jin Zhi 837" by Shanxi Agricultural University represents a significant advancement for sesame cultivation in Shanxi, enabling full mechanization from planting to harvesting and addressing long-standing issues of seed loss and low yield [1][4]. Group 1: Agricultural Innovation - The new sesame variety is the first in Shanxi suitable for mechanical harvesting, allowing farmers to avoid bending over during harvest [1]. - The variety exhibits resistance to splitting and seed loss, which has historically hindered sesame production [1][4]. - The research team has developed techniques for drought resistance and pest control, enhancing the viability of sesame cultivation in challenging conditions [3][4]. Group 2: Economic Viability - In 2023, a trial of the new sesame variety resulted in a yield of 183.2 kg per mu, translating to a net income of 2244.8 yuan per mu, surpassing the income from corn [2][3]. - The sesame planting area in Shanxi is currently around 100,000 mu, with a significant gap in meeting local processing capacity, indicating potential for growth [5][6]. Group 3: Training and Support - The research team has conducted extensive training sessions, reaching over 500 participants, to promote the new sesame cultivation techniques [8][10]. - A support network has been established for farmers, including a WeChat group for real-time assistance and guidance during the growing season [10]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The team plans to expand the cultivation of sesame in various regions of Shanxi, with projections for significant increases in planting areas in the coming years [9]. - The adaptability of sesame as a drought-resistant and short-growth period crop aligns well with the climatic conditions of Shanxi, making it a suitable option for local farmers [8][9].