Top 10 Rice Producing Countries in the World
Table of Contents
History of Rice Cultivation
Humans first started planting rice 8,000-9,000 years ago. The much-debated topic among historians and agriculture scientists for many years has been ‘Which country first started producing rice intentionally?’ Archeological evidence shows that the first sign of domesticated Rice came from the Ganges Valley in North India. However, similar evidence was also found in many parts of China and other Southeast Asian countries.
Soon, rice was found in all parts of the world. Even in far-off countries such as Great Britain where rice cultivation was nearly impossible due to unsuitable climatic conditions.
No matter where it originated, rice eventually weaved its way into human society in all aspects of life. Whether it was food, heritage, or culture. Even today, in many cultures across the world, rice is considered auspicious and used in religious ceremonies.
The top 10 rice Producing Countries in the World:
Let’s explore some of the top rice-producing countries in the world -
China
China is one the leading producers of rice in the world, producing more than one-fourth of the world’s rice annually (28% of the global production). Rice is a key part of their culture and appetite. During the historical period, most of the rice production in the country occurred in the Yangtze Valley region. It was due to the wet and warm weather which proved great for rice cultivation. However today, almost every province in China produces Rice. It is not only one of the most important food sources in the country but also a useful tool in strengthening the country’s economy. China also engages in exporting rice to countries like Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Egypt, and turkey along with some other European nations and a large part of the African market. Between 2022 and 2023 China produced over 143 million metric tons of rice, more than any country in the entire world.
India
India is the second largest producer of rice in the world. Between 2023-24 India was responsible for producing over 137.83 million Metric tons of rice (which is 26% of the global production). In many states of India, Rice is considered a staple food grain, significant in both cultural and religious aspects. Rice is mostly grown in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. North East regions of the country such as Nagaland, Assam, and Mizoram are also key players in rice cultivation. These regions alone are responsible for around 7% of rice production in the whole country.
Popular types of rice in India Include Basmati, (a long-grain rice known for its fragrant quality) and Sona Masoori which is commonly used in Indian cooking.
Bangladesh
Rice is an important food crop in the country and a big part of the country’s agriculture. Around 75% of Bangladesh’s fertile land is used for rice cultivation. The country has produced over 37 million metric tons of rice between the years 2023 and 2024. This accounts for around 7% of total global production. There are a few popular varieties of rice available in the country such as Boro Rice, Basmati, Amon, Balam, etc. Rice cultivation in Bangladesh is not only a food source for people but is also responsible for providing an income source for millions of citizens across the country. Farming is the main source of Income in the country, with more than 40% of the population employed in the agricultural sector.
Indonesia
Indonesia is responsible for around 6% of the global rice production. The country produces over 33 million metric tons of rice every year. The country's tropical climate and frequency of rain results in multiple harvests every year. Indonesia’s economy mostly relies upon self-sufficiency rather than depending on the export of their produce. However, during natural calamities or shortfalls, Indonesia exports its agricultural produce to other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Rice is a staple food in every Indonesian household, and with the help of government-implemented schemes they’re becoming a powerhouse in the global agricultural sector.
Vietnam
In southeast Asia, Vietnam is not only the leader in the rice production front but also one of the top exporters of the grain. Just behind Indonesia, Vietnam contributes to around 5% of the global rice production. Their total rice production for the year 2023-2024 was around 26 million metric tons. Most of the rice production in the country comes from the fertile region of the Mekong Delta (also nicknamed the ‘Rice Bowl of Vietnam’). The country exports a huge portion of its rice to countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Vietnam is popular for its highly sought out Jasmine Rice. Another popular variety of rice in Vietnam is ‘Cianjar Pandan wangi’ which is known for its amazing fragrance. It is commonly used in dishes such as Nasi Goreng and Nasi Puti.
Thailand
Thailand produces over 20 million metric tons of rice every year. The country contributes around 6% of the global rice production. World famous for its Jasmin rice, Thailand’s economy and food dependency is mostly on rice. The country is also one of the top exporters of rice. Their rice is exported to places like China, the Middle East, India, and the United States. Thailand’s good tropical weather and strong irrigation systems are one of the main reasons for successful rice cultivation.
Philippine
The Philippines produces 12.33 million metric tons of rice every year. Rice in the country is mostly grown in the regions of Luzon, Mindanao, and Visaya. Popular types of rice in the Philippines are ‘Dinorado’ and ‘Sinandomeng’, which are known for their softness and taste. Even though the Philippines deals in massive production of rice, they still import their rice from countries like Vietnam and Thailand. Even though the government is helping farmers with subsidy tools and agricultural schemes, problems such as storms, floods, and small farmland persist.
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar grows 11.9 million metric tons of rice every year which accounts for around 2% of the global rice production. Most of the rice in the country is grown in Irrawaddy Delta. Myanmar exports its rice to China, Bangladesh, and other countries that might require food supply. Even though the country is dealing with its socio-political issues, the government is putting its best foot forward to improve farming and exports in the country.
Pakistan
Pakistan produces 9.87 million metric tons of rice every year. The country is famous for its long-grain basmati rice, which is exported to countries like the UAE, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Most of the rice produced in the country is grown in the Punjab and Sindh regions of Pakistan. The government provides farmers with support and better-helping tools. Pakistan is known for producing good aromatic rice used in popular dishes such as Biryani and Pulao.
Japan
Japan is highly dependent on rice production and consumption. An average Japanese meal mostly consists of rice, making it an essential food for Japanese people. Japan produces 7.3 million metric tons of rice, making up for 1% of the rice production in the world. A majority of this rice is grown for local use. However, Japan also exports its premium rice brands such as Koshikari to countries like the United States and Hong Kong. Rice cultivation in Japan mostly relies on modern farming techniques. The agriculture sector in Japan is currently facing many challenges such as urbanization and a lack of younger generation to work on the farms. Despite all these challenges, rice remains an integral part of Japanese society.
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