Mohamed Adam Diab was long known for cultivating sorghum in the Karkoura area of Al-Shuwak locality in Al-Gadarif State, consistently achieving some of the highest yields in past seasons. Over the past two years, however, he has begun shifting away from the crop that made his name, turning instead to other alternatives—most notably sesame and watermelon seeds (hab al-tasali).
Even if sesame succeeds this year, it is likely to fail the next.
Mohamed Adam Diab, farmer
Diab told Atar that the transition was driven primarily by cost considerations. Producing sorghum, he said, has become prohibitively expensive compared to sesame and watermelon seeds. Even sesame, he noted, is now under reconsideration. “After many consecutive years of sesame cultivation in the area, the crop has become vulnerable to pests that have developed resistance to pesticides. Even if sesame succeeds this year, it is likely to fail the next,” he said.
According to Diab, the cost of cultivating a single feddan of sorghum during the most recent summer season reached approximately 633,000 Sudanese pounds, including land preparation, seeds, field operations, fertilizers, pesticides, harvesting, and transportation to storage facilities. Sesame and watermelon seeds, by contrast, require far fewer inputs. Using what he described as “simple arithmetic,” Diab decided two seasons ago to abandon sorghum as a commercial crop, limiting its cultivation to household consumption and distribution among relatives.
This season, Diab planted only three sa‘at of sorghum, with one sa‘at equal to five feddans, compared with 15 sa‘at of sesame and 20 sa‘at of watermelon seeds. He harvested all three crops, selling a ton of sorghum for one million Sudanese pounds, a ton of sesame for 1.3 million pounds, and a ton of watermelon seeds for two million pounds.
He explained that producing a ton of sorghum costs between 700,000 and 750,000 pounds, while sesame production costs range from 300,000 to 400,000 pounds per ton. Watermelon seeds, meanwhile, cost only between 200,000 and 250,000 pounds per ton to produce—while commanding the highest market price. “That,” he said, “is what made it the ideal choice for me.”
Diab noted that many rain-fed sector farmers in Al-Gadarif State have shifted intensively toward watermelon seed cultivation. This shift, he emphasized, is not coincidental, but the result of intersecting economic and technical factors that have positioned the crop as a “safe and profitable haven” compared to traditional staples such as sorghum.
Both sesame and watermelon seeds sell quickly after harvest at attractive prices, providing farmers with rapid liquidity to repay debts or prepare for the next season.
Mohamed Adam Diab, farmer, Al-Gadarif State
He added that watermelon seeds require relatively little labor for thinning (kadeeb) or harvesting, as they are harvested mechanically. He further explained that watermelon is a creeping plant, which helps cover the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. It is also less susceptible to pests and diseases, reducing dependence on costly pesticides.
Another key advantage, Diab said, is the wider spacing between the crop’s growth stages, unlike sesame, whose stages are tightly clustered. This allows farmers more time to prepare for each phase, prevents overlap in agricultural operations, and eases pressure on machinery and labor during peak periods.
Diab added that both sesame and watermelon seeds sell quickly after harvest at attractive prices, providing farmers with rapid liquidity to repay debts or prepare for the next season—without the delays and complications often associated with bank financing. Moreover, the profitability of watermelon seeds is not limited to the kernels alone: the crop’s residues, particularly the dried shells, constitute excellent livestock feed, creating an additional market in a region where animal husbandry is a central pillar alongside agriculture.
Thanks to the high returns from watermelon seed cultivation, Diab said he was able to purchase a tractor with all its attachments, supporting his farming operations this year. Comparing his situation now with previous years, he said, “Before I started growing watermelon seeds, I incurred heavy losses due to volatile sorghum prices and repeated sesame crop failures caused by pests, in addition to fluctuating rainfall. These are problems I no longer face with watermelon seeds.”
He added, “After increasing sesame cultivation, I reduced the sorghum area. But once I became familiar with watermelon seeds, I began rethinking both sesame and sorghum. Next year, I plan to introduce a substantial area of sunflower cultivation, given its economic viability and strong market value compared to other crops.”
Diab concluded by noting a broader shift in farmers’ mindset. “The farmer’s outlook has changed. We no longer farm in a traditional way, but according to market demand, lower costs, and higher returns. We have become more aware of the economic feasibility and market value of each crop.”
The crop [watermelon] has gained strong international demand—particularly the large-seeded ‘Jambo’ variety, which is highly sought after in countries such as Egypt, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Akram Hassan Imam, crop trader
Akram Hassan Imam, a crop trader based in Port Sudan, told Atar that a ton of watermelon seeds sells for around USD 1,200, and that the crop has gained strong international demand—particularly the large-seeded “Jambo” variety, which is highly sought after in countries such as Egypt, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Globally, the watermelon seed market was valued at USD 1.18 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 2.60 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4 percent over the forecast period. According to Data Bridge Market Research, rising consumer preference for watermelon seeds due to their nutritional benefits and ease of digestion—alongside growing demand for organic and gluten-free products, expanding vegetarian populations, and changing lifestyles—are expected to accelerate market growth in the coming years.
