How 10 Countries Produce the Most Wheat in the World

Wheat is one of the most important staple crops in the world, providing food for billions of people and feed for livestock. It is also a valuable commodity in the global market, with exports and imports worth billions of dollars every year. In this article, we will look at how 10 countries produce the most wheat in the world, based on the latest data from 2020.

1. China

China is the largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 133.6 million tons in 2020. China grows wheat mainly in the North China Plain, which has fertile soil and abundant water resources. Wheat is a major crop for food security and rural income in China, as well as an important ingredient for noodles, dumplings, bread and other foods.

2. India

India is the second-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 103.6 million tons in 2020. India grows wheat mainly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which covers parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Wheat is a staple food for millions of Indians, especially in the northern and central regions, where it is consumed as chapatis, rotis, parathas and other flatbreads.

3. Russia

Russia is the third-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 74.5 million tons in 2020. Russia grows wheat mainly in the Volga, Central Black Earth and Southern regions, which have vast areas of fertile land and a continental climate. Wheat is a key crop for Russia’s economy and exports, as well as a source of flour, bread, pasta and vodka.

4. United States

The United States is the fourth-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 49.7 million tons in 2020. The United States grows wheat mainly in the Great Plains, which stretch from Texas to Montana and North Dakota. Wheat is a versatile crop for the United States, as it can be used for food, feed, fuel and industrial purposes.

5. France

France is the fifth-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 36.7 million tons in 2020. France grows wheat mainly in the northern and central regions, which have a temperate climate and rich soil. Wheat is an essential crop for France’s agriculture and cuisine, as it is used for making baguettes, croissants, crepes and other delicacies.

6. Canada

Canada is the sixth-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 35.2 million tons in 2020. Canada grows wheat mainly in the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which have a cold and dry climate and vast prairies. Wheat is a vital crop for Canada’s economy and trade, as it is exported to many countries around the world.

7. Australia

Australia is the seventh-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 33 million tons in 2020. Australia grows wheat mainly in the eastern and southern regions, which have a warm and dry climate and diverse landscapes. Wheat is an important crop for Australia’s food security and exports, as it is used for making bread, biscuits, cakes and beer.

8. Pakistan

Pakistan is the eighth-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 25 million tons in 2020. Pakistan grows wheat mainly in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, which have a hot and humid climate and irrigated plains. Wheat is a staple food for most Pakistanis, who consume it as rotis, naans, puris and other breads.

9. Ukraine

Ukraine is the ninth-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 24.8 million tons in 2020. Ukraine grows wheat mainly in the central and southern regions, which have a mild climate and fertile black soil. Wheat is a significant crop for Ukraine’s agriculture and exports, as it is used for making flour, bread,
pastries and alcohol.

10. Germany

Germany is the tenth-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 22 million tons in 2020. Germany grows wheat mainly in the northern and eastern regions, which have a cool climate and sandy loam soil. Wheat is an essential crop for Germany’s culture and industry, as it is used for making breads,
pretzels, cakes and beer.

Global Wheat Production and Demand

Wheat is a widely cultivated crop whose seed is a grain used all over the world as a staple food. Wheat is also used to make products such as bread, pasta, cereal, pastries, cookies, crackers, muffins, tortillas, and pitas. Wheat is the second-most-produced cereal grain behind maize, and the global trade of wheat is greater than all other crops combined.

Wheat Production by Country

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the total global production of wheat in 2020 was 760 million tons. China, India, and Russia were the three largest individual wheat producers in the world, accounting for about 41% of the world’s total wheat production. The United States was the fourth-largest individual wheat producer in the world. However, the European Union, if it were counted as a single country, its wheat production would exceed that of any country except China.

The following table shows the top 10 wheat producing countries in 2020 (in tons of wheat produced):

Country	Production
China	134,254,710
India	107,590,000
Russia	85,896,326
United States	49,690,680
Canada	35,183,000
France	30,144,110
Pakistan	25,247,511
Ukraine	24,912,350
Germany	22,172,100
Turkey	20,500,000

Wheat Demand by Region

Wheat demand is stronger among the middle class, which has a big impact on the sector. Furthermore, the crop is a staple meal in many parts of the world, particularly in India and other Asian countries. Worldwide Wheat Market Size was valued at US$ 127.7 Billion in 2021.

The FAO estimates that the global wheat consumption in 2020/21 will reach 759.8 million tons, up by 1.5% from the previous year. The increase is mainly driven by higher food use of wheat in Asia and Africa, where population growth and changing dietary preferences are boosting demand for wheat-based products. The feed use of wheat is also expected to rise by 4.4% to reach a record level of 149.9 million tons, reflecting abundant supplies and competitive prices relative to other coarse grains.

The following table shows the projected wheat consumption by region in 2020/21 (in million tons):