Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), a shrub native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, produces seeds highly valued for their oil, which closely resembles whale oil and is widely used in cosmetics and industry. Commercial cultivation of jojoba began in the 1970s, spurred by the ban on whale oil and the search for sustainable alternatives. The United States and Mexico were the pioneers in domesticating and farming jojoba, utilizing its drought resistance and adaptability to marginal soils. Over time, other countries with similar arid climates, such as Israel, Argentina, Australia, Egypt, and India, adopted jojoba cultivation, investing in research to improve yields and oil quality. Today, India has emerged as one of the top producers, alongside the United States, Mexico, and Israel, due to its large-scale plantations and favorable growing conditions. The global spread of jojoba farming reflects both environmental concerns and the plant’s economic potential in arid and semi-arid regions.
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Data from United Nations FAO Stat