Niger Seeds

The seed of the African yellow daisy, Guizotia abyssinica, commonly known as Niger, has various names. Initially named Niger after Nigeria, reflecting the plant’s origin, the name was trademarked as ‘Nyjer’ in 1998 by the Wild Bird Feeding Industry to standardize pronunciation. Though often referred to as ‘thistle’ by backyard birders, Nyjer is not related to thistle plants or seeds. This misnomer likely gained popularity because goldfinches, which are fond of Nyjer, also feed on thistle and use thistle down in nest-building.

Nyjer (Guizotia abyssinica), a favorite finch seed, is native to the highlands of Ethiopia. It belongs to the composite (Sunflower) family and is closely related to popular garden plants like Cosmos (genus Coreopsis). The plant features yellow, Cosmos-like flowers and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The seeds, which contain up to 40% oil, are an important oilseed crop in Ethiopia, India, and Myanmar (Burma). Ethiopian immigrants likely introduced the seed to India around 3000 BC, along with other vital food crops like millet. Nyjer provides 50% of the vegetable oil used in Ethiopia and 3% in India. The seeds are also heated and made into a paste for direct consumption, and the meal left after oil extraction serves as livestock feed. Nyjer is particularly valuable in tropical regions because it is relatively pest-free and can thrive in clay and waterlogged soils.

Nyjer seeds, derived from the Ramtil plant (Guizotia abyssinica), are small, black seeds rich in oil. They are primarily used as bird feed and are also marginally used in India for making jelly.

Today, India holds a significant position as a major exporter of Nyjer seeds, producing around 200,000 tonnes annually, with approximately 75% of this production exported to the U.S. Indian exporters also supply high-quality Nyjer seeds to countries such as Mexico, Singapore, Canada, the EU, and Brazil.

Specifications of Niger Seeds :

Container of Niger Seeds :