Spices and Condiments (1+1)

Origin and distribution

• Fenugreek is indigenous to countries bordering the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, extending to Central Asia and Southeastern Europe. An independent origin also exists in Ethiopia. The genus Trigonella comprises 50 species, mostly of Mediterranean and Oriental origin. It is grown in India, parts of North Africa, Argentina, Southern France, China, Pakistan, Morocco and Lebanon.
• Fenugreek is the third largest seed spice in India after coriander and cumin. In India, Rajasthan (84%) and Gujarat (15%) are the major producing states followed by Uttar Pradesh (1%). It is also cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab.
• The total area in India is around 92990 hectares and the production 100780 tonnes per annum. The major international markets fbr fenugreek seeds are Saudi Arabia, Japan, Sri Lanka, Korea, Singapore, UAE, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.