India is a major rice producer and a staple food in many states. But did you know India isn’t the top player among rice producing countries? So, who is? While India grows a large amount of rice, China leads as the biggest rice producing country. Other key producers include Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, the Philippines, Japan, and Pakistan.
Each country has its special methods for growing rice, shaped by its climate and geography. From India’s fertile plains to Indonesia’s tropical regions, these countries use their natural advantages to boost rice production and meet global demand. Together, they are the top rice suppliers in the world. Read on to learn more!
Top Highest Rice Producing Country by Global Production
Rice is very important for feeding billions and boosting economies worldwide. The top rice producing countries grow different types of rice using special farming methods that suit their land. Below is a list of the top producers, showing how much they contribute to global production. Check out the top rice producers in the world below:
| Country | % of Global Production | Total Production (2023/2024, Metric Tons) |
| China | 28% | 144.62 Million |
| India | 26% | 137.83 Million |
| Bangladesh | 7% | 40 Million |
| Indonesia | 6% | 33.02 Million |
| Vietnam | 5% | 26.63 Million |
| Thailand | 4% | 20 Million |
| Philippines | 2% | 12.33 Million |
| Burma | 2% | 11.9 Million |
| Pakistan | 2% | 9.87 Million |
| Japan | 1% | 7.3 Million |
1. China
China is the biggest rice producer in the world! It was also the first to create hybrid rice by mixing two different plants. In 2023/2024, China produced over 144.62 Million metric tons of milled rice.
Most of this rice comes from provinces like Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Sichuan, near the Yangtze River, where traditional farming methods are used. However, challenges like climate change and labor shortages mean the government needs to find better, sustainable ways to grow rice. Did you know that about 65% of China’s population eats rice as a staple food? That shows how important rice is to their diet!
2. India
India is among the second largest top rice producing countries in the world. In 2023/2024, it accounted for close to 137.83 million metric tons. West Bengal produced 15.75 million tons over 5.46 million hectares and emerged as the highest rice producing state. India is the largest exporting country of basmati rice in the world. During 2023-2024, India exported 5.24 million tons of basmati rice, a 15% increase compared with the previous year.
India is the second largest consumer of rice, with an estimated 100 million metric tons a year. Over 65% of Indians consume rice daily, and it generates employment and income opportunities for more than 50 million people.
3. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the third biggest producer of rice in the world, after China and India. The country generally produces about 40 million tons of rice in a year for its 170 million people. Rice is the major crop and staple food grown primarily in areas like Khulna, Barisal, and Dhaka. People in Bangladesh prepare plenty of rice dishes, such as biryani, khichuri, and plain rice with curry.
Moreover, the country is susceptible to natural disasters such as flooding, which means rice production will, at times, be slow, and its imports will also rise. The establishment of a new variety and high-yielding varieties of rice would directly benefit their farmers. Research investment should be made to make crops that are immune to changes in weather patterns for food security.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest rice producing country in the world, after China, India, and Bangladesh. For the marketing year 2023/2024, Indonesia produced 33.02 million metric tons of rice, which accounts for around 6 percent of the rice crops produced globally. Most of these crops were mainly grown in Indonesia in areas such as Java and Sumatra.
In Indonesia, rice is a staple used in many delicious dishes. Famous ones include nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi uduk (coconut rice), and nasi padang (rice served with various dishes). Rice is a staple in many people’s diets and is thus an important part of their food and culture.
5. Vietnam
Vietnam ranks fifth in the list of top rice producing countries, with an annual production of around 26.63 million metric tons, accounting for 5% of the world’s total rice. More than 90% of rice is grown in the Mekong and Red River deltas. Moreover, Vietnam is also the world’s second largest rice exporter, exporting around 6 million tons.
Vietnam uses rice as a staple in cooking all these dishes; these include the famous pho (rice noodle soup), com tam (broken rice), and many more sticky rice desserts.
6. Thailand
Thailand ranks as one of the sixth largest rice producing countries in the world. It produced approximately 20 million metric tons, which accounts for 4% of the global rice output. Moreover, Rice is the main part of Thai society, culture, and economy, with half of the country’s land farmed for rice.
The central and northeastern parts of Thailand are the principal rice growing regions, with Nakhon Sawan topping the list in 2023 as the biggest rice producing province. Thai is synonymous with rice, whether it is eaten in pad Thai, green curry, or sticky rice and mango.
7. Philippines
Philippines is the seventh highest rice producing country in the world, with a production of about 12.33 million metric tons, which is 2% of the global total. Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, served with almost every meal and used in many snacks and desserts.
The primary regions where rice production occurs are Luzon, Western Visayas, Southern Mindanao, and Central Mindanao. Additionally, universities and research institutes in this country are continuously working to improve rice production through crop yield and durability for farmers.
Despite all these challenges, the fall armyworm is already a significant pest, having destroyed large amounts of rice and corn. Apart from this, rice remains one of the primary staples of Filipinos in sinigang (sour soup) as an ingredient, adobo (marinated meat), and rice cakes, among others.
8. Burma
Burma, or Myanmar, is the eighth highest rice producing country, producing about 11.9 million metric tons, accounting for 2% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in Burma, and many rural families eat it thrice a day.
The regions where rice is majorly produced are the Ayeyarwady Delta, Ayeyarwady, and Bago regions. Rice farming takes place during two seasons: the monsoon season and summer. In the late 1970s, the government introduced high-yielding rice varieties in a bid to increase production.
9. Pakistan
Pakistan is the ninth among the top rice producing countries in the world, with a forecast of 10 million tonnes for the 2024/25 season. This record of production is due to favorable planting conditions, better profitability, and sufficient irrigation water.
The country will also export a record 6.3 million tonnes of rice in 2023/24, with new markets in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. While rice is a secondary carbohydrate in the Pakistani diet, it’s commonly eaten during ceremonies and festive occasions. The average person consumes about 18 kilograms of rice per year. Moreover, rice plays a vital role in Pakistan’s agriculture, contributing around 19% to the country’s GDP and providing employment to millions.
10. Japan
Japan ranks tenth in the world list of rice producing countries, with a production of some 7.3 million metric tons, or 1 percent of global rice production. Rice is essentially a staple food in Japan, with a self-sufficiency ratio of about 99%.
Its biggest variety, Koshihikari, is said to possess a wonderful taste and texture. The rice-growing seasons vary from north to south-May through October in the north and April through September in the south.
Rice is seen in a lot of traditional dishes, including sushi, onigiri, and rice balls. Therefore, it’s an important part of Japanese cuisine and culture. Japan also promotes its good quality rice for exports, which is popular worldwide.
Conclusion
Rice is an important food for many people around the world. Among the major producers of rice are China and India, which meet global demands together. The special ways of growing rice in each country rely on its land and culture. With problems like climate change arising, these countries devise effective ways of growing rice, thus producing much stronger plants. Learning about how essential rice is and how hard the farmer has worked in rice producing countries is always important. Rice has always played a very important role in our meals and economy.
FAQs about Top Rice Producing Countries
Q1. Which country is the largest rice producer?
China is the largest rice producer, growing over 144 million metric tons in 2023/2024.
Q2. Why is rice important?
Rice is a staple food for billions, providing essential nutrition and supporting economies worldwide.
Q3. What types of rice do these countries produce?
Countries produce various rice types, including long-grain, short-grain, and fragrant rice, each suited to local tastes.
Q4. How does climate affect rice production?
Climate impacts rice growth by influencing rainfall, temperature, and weather patterns, which affect yield and quality.
Q5. What challenges do rice farmers face?
Farmers face issues like climate change, pests, and floods that can harm crops and reduce production.
Q6. How does India contribute to rice production?
India ranks second in rice production, contributing about 137.83 million metric tons in 2023/2024, mainly through basmati rice.
Q7. Where is rice mainly grown in Vietnam?
Rice is mainly grown in the Mekong and Red River deltas, and it is crucial for the country’s economy and cuisine.
Q8. What are common rice dishes in Indonesia?
Popular rice dishes in Indonesia include nasi goreng (fried rice) and nasi uduk (coconut rice), reflecting their culture.
Q9. Is rice grown in Japan?
Yes, Japan produces about 7.3 million metric tons of rice, with Koshihikari being the most popular variety.
Q10. How do countries improve rice production?
Countries invest in research, new farming techniques, and high-yield varieties to boost rice production and food security.
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