Some Facts About Niger Seeds

The seed of Niger Plant- the African yellow daisy, are also known as Niger, Noog/Nug, Nyger and Nyjer Seeds. Originally cultivated in Nigeria, from where the name has been derived, this herb is extensively grown in India as well. Almost 60% of the total produce is exported to countries like USA, Singapore, Canada and others. For catering to this huge demand, there are several Niger Seeds Exporters in India. But what is it that makes these seeds so popular? Read ahead and find out…

Properties and Uses of Niger

• Niger Seeds are somewhat like sunflower seeds in shape and have a thick coat that makes it possible to store them for about a year without any depreciation in the quality.
• They contain around 40% oil, 20% protein, 15% soluble sugar, 10-20% crude fiber and 10% moisture.
• Niger Oil belongs to the compositae family of oils, which is considered to be the healthiest of all.
• The seeds are widely used as a winter birdfeed because of their nutritional composition. They help birds store fat and maintain calorie levels to sustain the cold temperatures.
• Protein content in these seeds is useful for regenerating bird feathers.
• The oil from Niger Seeds is traditionally used for cooking, just like sunflower oil and for certain medicinal applications as well.
• It is also used while making soaps and paints for giving them a shiny surface.
• Niger Oil can also be utilized as cattle feed.

Owing to such abundance of nutritional advantages for humans, birds and cattle, the demand of Niger Seeds is sure to remain high. This crop is mostly sown after harvesting rice in October, while some farmers prefer to cultivate it alongside paddy rice. Therefore it is available throughout the year. Offer them in your garden and see the number of energetic birds getting attracted to it.