Top Other Oil Seed Producing Countries

Other oil seeds refer to a diverse group of crops grown primarily for their oil-rich seeds, excluding the major oilseeds like soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed/canola. This category includes sesame, linseed (flaxseed), safflower, castor, and niger seed, among others. Historically, the cultivation of these oil seeds dates back thousands of years: sesame was domesticated in the Indian subcontinent over 3,000 years ago, while linseed was grown in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia for both oil and fiber. Today, India is the leading producer of sesame and castor seeds, benefiting from suitable climates and traditional agricultural practices. Ethiopia is a major grower of niger seed, while China and Myanmar are significant producers of sesame. Russia and Kazakhstan lead in linseed production, reflecting the crop’s adaptation to temperate climates. The global importance of these oil seeds lies in their use for edible oils, industrial applications, and traditional medicines, with their cultivation spreading and adapting to various regions over centuries as trade and agricultural knowledge expanded.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat