10 Countries That Produce the Most Rice in the World

Rice is one of the most important crops in the world, providing food and income for billions of people. Rice is grown in more than 100 countries, but some of them produce much more than others. Here are the top 10 countries that produce the most rice in the world, according to the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

1. China: 212.8 million tons

China is the world’s largest producer of rice, accounting for about 27% of the global total. China grows rice in almost every region, but the main producing areas are in the south and east, where the climate is warm and humid. China consumes most of its rice domestically, but also exports some to neighboring countries.

2. India: 195.4 million tons

India is the second-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 25% of the global total. India grows rice in diverse agro-climatic zones, from the Himalayas to the coastal plains. Rice is a staple food for most Indians, especially in the south and east. India is also a major exporter of rice, mainly to Africa and Asia.

3. Bangladesh: 56.9 million tons

Bangladesh is the third-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 7% of the global total. Bangladesh grows rice in almost all regions, but the main producing areas are in the delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, where flooding and salinity are common challenges. Rice is the main source of calories and nutrition for most Bangladeshis, and the country imports some rice to meet its demand.

4. Indonesia: 54.4 million tons

Indonesia is the fourth-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 7% of the global total. Indonesia grows rice mainly in Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan islands, where rainfall is abundant, and irrigation is well-developed. Rice is a staple food for most Indonesians, and the country aims to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.

5. Vietnam: 43.9 million tons

Vietnam is the fifth-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 6% of the global total. Vietnam grows rice mostly in the Mekong and Red River deltas, where fertile soils and favorable climate support high yields. Rice is a staple food for most Vietnamese, and the country is also a leading exporter of rice, especially to China and Africa.

6. Thailand: 33.6 million tons

Thailand is the sixth-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 4% of the global total. Thailand grows rice mainly in the central plains, where irrigation systems are well-established, and in the northeast, where rainfed farming dominates. Rice is a staple food for most Thais, and the country is also a major exporter of rice, especially to Africa and Asia.

7. Myanmar: 24.9 million tons

Myanmar is the seventh-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 3% of the global total. Myanmar grows rice mainly in the Ayeyarwady delta and central dry zone, where water availability varies widely. Rice is a staple food for most Burmese, and the country exports some rice to neighboring countries.

8. Philippines: 20 million tons

Philippines is the eighth-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 3% of the global total. Philippines grows rice mainly in Luzon and Mindanao islands, where typhoons and droughts pose frequent risks. Rice is a staple food for most Filipinos, but the country imports some rice to meet its demand.

9. Pakistan: 14 million tons

Pakistan is the ninth-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 2% of the global total. Pakistan grows rice mainly in Punjab and Sindh provinces, where irrigation systems are well-developed. Rice is a major export crop for Pakistan, mainly to Africa and Asia.

10. Brazil: 11.7 million tons

Brazil is the tenth-largest producer of rice, accounting for about 1% of the global total. Brazil grows rice mainly in Rio Grande do Sul state, where temperate climate and mechanized farming prevail. Rice is a staple food for some Brazilians, especially in the south.

The World’s Largest Rice Producers

Rice is one of the most important crops in the world, providing food and income for billions of people. Rice is grown in more than 100 countries, but the majority of production comes from just a few. In this blog post, we will look at the top 10 largest rice producers in the world, based on the latest data from 2021.

China: The Top Rice Producer

China is the world’s largest producer of rice, with an output of 212.8 million tons in 2021. This accounts for about 27% of the global production and 43% of the Asian production. China has a long history of rice cultivation, dating back to more than 7,000 years ago. Rice is grown in almost every province of China, but the main regions are the Yangtze River basin, the Pearl River delta, and the Sichuan basin. Rice is a staple food for most Chinese people, especially in the south and east of the country.

India: The Second Largest Producer and Exporter

India is the second largest producer of rice in the world, with an output of 195.4 million tons in 2021. This accounts for about 25% of the global production and 40% of the Asian production. India has a diverse range of rice varieties, including basmati, which is famous for its fragrance and quality. Rice is grown in almost every state of India, but the main regions are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Rice is a staple food for most Indians, especially in the south and east of the country. India is also the largest exporter of rice in the world, shipping out nearly $8 billion worth of rice in 2019.

Bangladesh: The Third Largest Producer and Consumer

Bangladesh is the third largest producer of rice in the world, with an output of 56.9 million tons in 2021. This accounts for about 7% of the global production and 12% of the Asian production. Bangladesh has a favorable climate and fertile soil for rice cultivation, as well as a large population that depends on rice for food security. Rice is grown in almost every district of Bangladesh, but the main regions are Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Chittagong. Rice is a staple food for most Bangladeshis, who consume about 160 kg per capita per year.

Indonesia: The Fourth Largest Producer and Importer

Indonesia is the fourth largest producer of rice in the world, with an output of 54.4 million tons in 2021. This accounts for about 7% of the global production and 11% of the Asian production. Indonesia has a tropical climate and abundant water resources for rice cultivation, as well as a large population that demands rice as a main source of calories. Rice is grown in almost every province of Indonesia, but the main regions are Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan. Rice is a staple food for most Indonesians, who consume about 140 kg per capita per year. Indonesia is also one of the largest importers of rice in the world, importing about 2 million tons in 2019.

Vietnam: The Fifth Largest Producer and Exporter

Vietnam is the fifth largest producer of rice in the world, with an output of 43.9 million tons in 2021. This accounts for about 6% of the global production and 9% of the Asian production. Vietnam has a favorable climate and fertile soil for rice cultivation, as well as a strong tradition and culture of rice farming. Rice is grown in almost every region of Vietnam, but the main regions are the Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta, and the Central Highlands. Rice is a staple food for most Vietnamese people, who consume about 150 kg per capita per year. Vietnam is also one of the largest exporters of rice in the world, shipping out nearly $3 billion worth of rice in 2019.

References:

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL

Rice Production by Country 2023 – World Population Review

Leading U.S. states in rice production 2022 | Statista

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/03/visualizing-the-world-s-biggest-rice-producers/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_rice_production

http://www.countryranker.com/top-10-largest-producers-of-rice-in-the-world/