7 Countries That Produce the Most Wheat in the World
Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the world, providing food for billions of people and feed for livestock. Wheat is also used to make flour, starch, malt, dextrose, gluten, alcohol, and other products. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global production of wheat in 2020 was 760 million tons, with China, India, and Russia being the top three producers. In this article, we will look at the seven countries that produce the most wheat in the world, based on the latest FAO data.
1. China
China is the world’s largest wheat producer and has yielded more than 2.4 billion tonnes of wheat in the last 20 years, around 17% of total production. China grows wheat mainly in the North China Plain, the Huang-Huai Plain, and the Sichuan Basin. The main varieties of wheat grown in China are winter wheat and spring wheat. China consumes most of its wheat domestically, but also exports some to neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
2. India
India is the second-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 107.6 million tons in 2020. Wheat is grown in almost all states of India, but the major producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. India grows mainly durum wheat and bread wheat varieties. India is also a major consumer of wheat, especially in the form of chapati, roti, naan, and paratha. India also exports wheat to countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
3. Russia
Russia is the third-largest wheat producer in the world and the largest global wheat exporter, exporting volumes worth more than $7.3 billion in 2021. Russia produces around 85.9 million tons of wheat annually, mainly in the regions of Volga, Central Black Earth, North Caucasus, Siberia, and Ural. Russia grows mostly spring wheat and winter wheat varieties. Russia exports wheat to countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Indonesia.
4. United States
The United States is the fourth-largest wheat producer in the world and the second-largest exporter after Russia. The United States produces around 49.7 million tons of wheat per year, mainly in the states of Kansas, North Dakota, Montana, Washington, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, South Dakota, Idaho, and Nebraska. The United States grows different types of wheat such as hard red winter wheat, hard red spring wheat, soft red winter wheat, durum wheat, and soft white wheat. The United States exports wheat to countries such as Mexico, Japan, Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, and Colombia.
5. Canada
Canada is the fifth-largest wheat producer in the world and the third-largest exporter after Russia and the United States. Canada produces around 35.2 million tons of wheat annually, mainly in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Canada grows mostly spring wheat varieties such as hard red spring wheat, durum wheat, and soft white spring wheat. Canada exports wheat to countries such as Indonesia, China, Japan, Bangladesh, and Mexico.
6. France
France is the sixth-largest wheat producer in the world and the largest producer in Europe. France produces around 30.1 million tons of wheat per year, mainly in the regions of Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, Centre-Val de Loire, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and Normandy. France grows mostly soft winter wheat varieties such as bread wheat, biscuit wheat, and feed wheat. France exports wheat to countries such as Algeria, Morocco, Belgium, Spain, and Italy.
7. Pakistan
Pakistan is the seventh-largest wheat producer in the world and a major consumer of wheat. Pakistan produces around 25.2 million tons of wheat per year, mainly in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan. Pakistan grows mostly bread wheat varieties such as Inqalab-91, Sehar-2006, Faisalabad-2008, and Aas-2011. Pakistan consumes most of its wheat domestically, but also imports some from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Australia, and Canada.
Wheat Production by Country: Trends and Challenges
Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the world, providing food and income for billions of people. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global wheat production in 2020 was 760 million tons, with China, India, and Russia being the top three producers. However, wheat production is facing several challenges, such as climate change, pests and diseases, water scarcity, and market volatility. In this article, we will examine the trends and challenges of wheat production by country, and how they affect the global demand for this staple crop.
China: The Largest Wheat Producer
China is the world’s largest wheat producer and has yielded more than 2.4 billion tonnes of wheat in the last 20 years, around 17% of total production. China’s wheat production is mainly concentrated in the North China Plain, which accounts for about 70% of the country’s output. China’s wheat consumption is also high, as wheat is a major ingredient in many traditional foods, such as noodles, dumplings, and steamed buns. However, China’s wheat production is facing several challenges, such as declining soil fertility, water pollution, urbanization, and climate change. China has implemented various policies and measures to improve wheat productivity and quality, such as increasing investment in research and development, promoting high-yielding varieties, adopting water-saving irrigation techniques, and enhancing pest and disease management.
India: The Second-Largest Wheat Producer
India is the second-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 107.6 million tons in 2020. India’s wheat production is mainly concentrated in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which covers parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Wheat is a staple food for millions of Indians, especially in the northern and central regions. India’s wheat production has increased significantly over the years, thanks to the Green Revolution that introduced high-yielding varieties, improved irrigation systems, and increased use of fertilizers and pesticides. However, India’s wheat production is also facing several challenges, such as declining soil health, groundwater depletion, rising input costs, low profitability, and climate change. India has taken various steps to address these challenges, such as promoting sustainable agricultural practices, diversifying cropping systems, enhancing farmers’ access to markets and credit, and strengthening food security and safety nets.
Russia: The Largest Wheat Exporter
Russia is the third-largest wheat producer in the world, with a production of 85.9 million tons in 2020. Russia’s wheat production is mainly concentrated in the Volga region, the Central Black Earth region, the North Caucasus region, and Siberia. Wheat is an important export commodity for Russia, as it accounts for about 30% of the global wheat trade. Russia’s wheat production has increased substantially over the years, due to favorable weather conditions, improved agronomic practices, increased farm size and mechanization, and government support. However, Russia’s wheat production is also facing several challenges, such as low soil fertility, high transportation costs, trade barriers, and political instability. Russia has pursued various strategies to overcome these challenges, such as improving infrastructure, expanding storage capacity, diversifying export markets, and enhancing quality standards.
Wheat production by country is influenced by various factors, such as natural resources, technological innovation, market demand, and policy environment. Wheat production is also facing various challenges, such as climate change, pests and diseases, water scarcity, and market volatility. These challenges require coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, such as farmers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers, to ensure food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
References:
http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC/
http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/08/top-10-countries-produce-most-wheat/
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/6/3/38
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329216032_Wheat_Production_Scenario_in_India_Present_Status_and_Future_Strategies
https://www.world-grain.com/articles/15393-russia-remains-top-wheat-exporter
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_wheat_production_statistics
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/wheat-production-by-country
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