Top Mustard Seed Producing Countries

Mustard seed, valued both as a spice and for its oil, is primarily farmed in India, Canada, China, Russia, and Nepal, which together account for the majority of global production. Historically, mustard has ancient roots, with evidence of its cultivation dating back over 5,000 years in the Indus Valley and Sumerian civilizations. The Romans and Greeks popularized mustard as both a culinary and medicinal plant, spreading its use throughout Europe. During the Middle Ages, mustard farming expanded across Europe, especially in France and England, where it became a staple condiment. In modern times, India leads the world in mustard seed production, especially in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, while Canada is a major exporter, particularly of yellow mustard seed, due to its large-scale mechanized farming in the Prairie provinces. The global spread and adaptation of mustard seed farming reflect its versatility and enduring importance in both agriculture and cuisine.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat