Ethiopia is one of the centres of biodiversity for oilseeds variety. Sesame seed, Niger seed, Mustard seed, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Rape Seed, Castor Seed and Groundnuts are the variety of oilseeds which can be considered specialty, high-value seeds on the international market.
Ethiopia is known by high altitudes with very different climates. This enables the country to grow a wide range of oilseeds, in which it has a long tradition. In terms of export, oilseeds are the second-largest export commodity from Ethiopia and sesame seed is the main oilseed export product.