Cumin originated in Western Asia where it was cultivated since biblical times. Today, India and Iran are the main producers of cumin worldwide. It is also cultivated in Argentina, Morocco, the Ukraine, Egypt, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Central America, and Central Asia.

Gujarat is the largest producer of cumin seeds in India which accounts for 55% to 65% of the total production of India. The rest of the production comes from Rajasthan. Rajasthan and Gujarat is part of approximately 99% of India's production.