Top-10 Rice Producing Countries in the World 2024

Rice is one of the most vital staple crops globally, serving as a dietary staple for billions of people. As of 2024, several countries lead the world in rice production, contributing significantly to global food security and agricultural economies. Here, we delve into the top 10 rice-producing nations, showcasing their contributions to this essential aspect of agriculture.

Worldwide Production of Rice

In the global landscape of rice production, China stands out as the leading contributor, boasting a staggering 147.691 million tonnes of rice produced in the period from 2022 to 2023. Following closely behind are India and Bangladesh, securing the second and third positions respectively, with annual rice outputs of 125.039 and 35.512 million tonnes. This article delves into the top 10 rice-producing nations, highlighting their significant roles in shaping the world’s rice market and ensuring food security on a global scale.

Largest Rice Producer in the World

China stands as the globe’s foremost rice producer, satisfying both local consumption needs and international exports. This eminent status is a consequence of its expansive agricultural terrain coupled with state-of-the-art farming technologies. Spread across approximately 29.87 million hectares (averaging over a five-year period from 2018/19 to 2022/23), China annually yields a remarkable 147.691 million tonnes of rice. Forecasts indicate a further elevation in agricultural prowess, with an expected production of 149 million tonnes of rice for the 2023–24 season.

Rice production in China refers to the cultivation, harvest, and yield of rice across its mainland. Constituting 30% of the world’s total rice output, China’s rice production holds significant sway over the global agricultural landscape and serves as a linchpin in its national economy. With an impressive yield of 6.5 metric tons per hectare, China leads Asia in rice production. Although rice cultivation spans across the nation, its origins are traced back to regions surrounding the Yangtze River and the Yunnan-Guizhou highlands in southern China.

In China, the predominant rice varieties cultivated and harvested include the indica and japonica subspecies. Additionally, the cultivation and production of wild rice species such as O. Mereriana, O. Officinalis, and O. rufipogon further augment the nation’s rich agricultural diversity.

Top-10 Rice Producing Countries in the World 2024

China with the annual production of 147.691 million tonnes rice, holds the title of largest rice producer in the world, followed by India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Here is the list of top-10 rice producing countries in the world:

Top-10 Rice Producing Countries in the World 2024
Rank	Country	Annual Production (in million tonnes)
1.	China	147.691
2.	India	125.038
3.	Bangladesh	35.511
4.	Indonesia	34.360
5.	Vietnam	27.099
6.	Thailand	19.529
7.	Myanmar	12.530
8.	Philippines	12.249
9.	Pakistan	7.530
10.	Brazil	7.370

World’s Largest Rice Producer – China

Rice Production: 147.691 million tonnes

China, boasting a staggering output of 147.691 million metric tonnes, holds the esteemed title of being the foremost rice producer worldwide. Its rice farming activities are chiefly concentrated in the fertile regions surrounding the Yangtze River valley and various southern provinces. Through the utilization of contemporary agricultural practices, adoption of high-yielding rice strains, and implementation of supportive governmental policies, China maintains its unmatched position at the pinnacle of global rice production.

Second Largest Country in terms of Rice Production – India

Rice Production: 125.038 million tonnes

India ranks as the second-largest producer of rice globally, with an impressive capacity of 125.038 million metric tonnes. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the fertile alluvial soil of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta and climatic conditions conducive to rice cultivation. Key rice-producing states such as West Bengal, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh play pivotal roles in contributing to India’s substantial rice output.

Third Largest Rice Producer in the World – Bangladesh

Rice Production: 35.511 million tonnes

Bangladesh holds the distinction of being the world’s third-largest rice producer, with an impressive output of 35.511 million metric tonnes. Despite its relatively modest land area, the country boasts extensive rice cultivation, thanks to its favorable tropical monsoon climate. The cultivation of diverse rice varieties enables Bangladesh to achieve three rice harvesting seasons annually, contributing significantly to its robust rice production.