In this article, we will discuss the 10 biggest rice producing countries in the world. If you wish to learn more, read about the Top 20 Rice Producing Countries in The World.
10. Brazil
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 11.6 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 1.7 million hectares
The 10th largest rice producer comes from South America. Brazil secured a per annum rice production of 11,660,603 tonnes in 2021, owing to its fertile land and sub-tropical climate that supports rice paddies. Moreover, the total rice harvest area in Brazil was 1.7 million hectares, which led to this substantial grain production in 2021. The meticulous orchestration of resources and labor is instrumental in Brazil’s rice yield year after year.
9. Pakistan
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 14 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 3.5 million hectares
Rice is the fifth largest commodity in Pakistan in terms of production, and despite natural calamities like floods, the country produced 13,984,009 tonnes of rice in 2021. Pakistan’s harvest area for rice sprawls over 3,537,369 hectares and shows the nexus between land management and agricultural productivity.
8. Philippines
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 19 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 4.8 million hectares
The Philippines demonstrated robust agricultural productivity by harvesting 19,960,170.2 tonnes of rice in 2021. This impressive yield occupied 4,805,077 hectares of fertile land across the archipelago. This achievement emphasizes the country’s large-scale commitment to rice farming and favorable conditions for paddy cultivation.
7. Myanmar
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 25 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 6.5 million hectares
The 7th biggest rice-producing country in 2021 was Myanmar, whose backbone is its agriculture sector. Despite climate threats to its agricultural land, Myanmar contributed 25 million tonnes of rice to the world’s rice grain yield. This country dedicates approximately 6.536 million hectares to rice paddies and uses advanced agricultural methods to ensure weather changes don’t impact grain fields.
6. Thailand
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 33.6 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 11 million hectares
Thailand’s agricultural market share stayed stable in the crop year 2021 as it produced an impressive 33,582,000 tonnes of rice. Moreover, it harvested 11,244,000 hectares of rice, manifesting the nation’s agricultural robustness. These figures diligently underscore Thailand’s vital role in the global food chain signifies the potential for future growth and sustainability of its agro-industry. It is one of the top rice producing countries in the world.
5. Vietnam
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 44 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 7.2 million hectares
In 2021, Vietnam banked an impressive total of 43,852,728.69 tonnes in rice grain production, garnered from 7,219,797 hectares of agricultural land. Moreover, despite having a smaller harvested area than Thailand, Vietnam surpassed its Southeast Asian neighbor in rice production. This achievement highlights Vietnam’s strategic emphasis on agriculture goals to maximize output even within limited arable land.
4. Indonesia
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 54 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 10 million hectares
Indonesia is a significant player in the global agricultural arena; it harvested 54,415,294 tonnes of rice in the crop year 2021. UNFAO stats say that this production came from a harvest area of 10,411,801 hectares, reflecting its vast expanses of fertile lands. Notably, rice is a vital element of the nation’s cultural fabric and a key driver of its economy.
3. Bangladesh
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 57 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 11.7 million hectares
The crop year 2021 concluded at 56,944,553.97 tonnes of rice for Bangladesh, owing to its distinct climatic advantages. Bangladesh is generously cradled by the fertile deltas of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, which provide an optimal environment for rice cultivation. Moreover, Bangladeshi farmers’ adaptation to modern farming technologies and use of high-yielding varieties have further bolstered productivity.
2. India
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 195 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 46 million hectares
India is the world’s second-largest rice producer and a key player in the global agricultural sector. This South Asian nation cultivated 195,425,000 tonnes of rice in 2021. The sheer magnitude of the production can be gauged from the fact that 46,379,000 hectares of the country’s land was harvested for this staple crop. This intricately woven matrix of agricultural richness is the lifeblood of India’s economy and a primary driver of its food sector.
1. China
Rice Production in Crop Year 2021: 214 million tonnes
Total Area Harvested: 30 million hectares
Rice is the 2nd largest commodity in China, and it has maintained the position of the biggest rice-producing country in the world. In the crop year 2021, a yield of 214,403,870.1 tonnes demonstrated the country’s agricultural prowess. This output is the result of diligent cultivation across an expansive 30,145,222 hectares of harvested terrain, a testament to the country’s comprehensive and efficient farming practices. The enormity of these figures is a clear indication of China’s commitment to food security and its capacity for harnessing its rich agricultural heritage.
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