Lira University Student Innovates Sesame Farming Machines to Boost Oilseed Production

Agricultural innovation in Uganda has taken a notable step forward after a Lira University student designed specialized machines to ease sesame, or sim-sim, farming. Benson Otim, who is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration, has created automated equipment designed to handle both planting and weeding tasks efficiently.

The initiative addresses longstanding labor challenges faced by local farmers. According to Mr Otim, the new technology allows agriculturalists to manage larger farmlands with significantly less physical strain, marking a crucial shift for the country’s oilseed sub-sector.

“I came up with an innovation that focuses on improving oilseed production and productivity in Uganda,” Mr Otim explained regarding his dual-technology approach. The system consists of a sesame planter and a companion weeder, both operating through manual mechanisms tailored for local farming conditions.

Drawing inspiration from agricultural techniques utilized in Europe for centuries, the developer confirmed that the machinery has successfully advanced to the commercialization stage. This milestone arrives as higher institutions and government bodies increasingly emphasize the importance of transforming academic research and prototypes into practical, market-ready solutions that drive economic growth.

For more details on this innovation, read the full report on Daily Monitor.