An ancient technique is used by local firms in Balkh province, in the north of Afghanistan, to turn sesame to a precious oil.

Factory owners said they prefer the traditionally-produced oil than the imported oil in the market.

They said every firm produces 25 to 30 kilograms of sesame oil every day.

“Producing sesame oil in traditional way is good for some diseases,” Chari Murad, owner of an oil production firm.

Some of those who work in sesame production factories said they have inherited the profession from their parents.

“This has been a business for our family. My grandfather and his father were doing the same business and now I am here to do it,” Mustafa, a worker in the factory, said.

Other owner of a local firm said they sell every kilogram of the oil for 250 AFs.

The factories export part of the oil to other countries, an owner of the business said.

Sesame oil is used for making delicious foods in Afghanistan, particularly in north and northeastern provinces.

“The sesame price increased due to a lack of snowfall last winter. Local factories export sesame oil to other countries and import low quality oil to Afghanistan. The sesame oil produced in the north of Afghanistan is the best in the world,” Farid, a cook in Mazar-e-Sharif City, said.

Sesame oil sellers said the prices of the product will reduce and more people will have access to it if government invests in packaging of the oil produced by local firms.