Top 10 Rice producing countries in the world from 1990 - 2024

  • 1990-2000: In this decade, China and India accounted for over 50% of the world's total output, with other dominant rice producers being Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, with production figures falling between 20 and 30 million metric tons.
  • 2001-2010: China and India remained the two top producers, with China producing 140 million metric tons annually and India 100 million metric tons annually. 
  • 2011-2020: China and India continue to lead at about 150 million and 105 million metric tons, respectively. 
  • 2021-2024: China and India continued to lead. China reached 144.62 million metric tons in 2023/2024, and India accounted for 137.83 million metric tons.

From 1990 to the present, rice remains one of the staple foods whose production has changed tremendously. Global milled rice production in 2022 reached about 513.5 million metric tons, with China leading with 208.49 million metric tons and India a close second with 137.83 million metric tons. This article explores changes in rice production from 1990 through 2024 and the most prominent countries in this highly essential industry.

Here’s a detailed table summarizing the trends of the happiest African countries from 2000-2024

Period Rice Production by Country Rice Consumption by Country Key Trends
1990-2000 China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China and India dominated the world production and consumption of rice. The contribution of Southeast Asia, comprising Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, was also immense in terms of production and consumption.
2001-2010 China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China and India remained at the forefront; Indonesia and Bangladesh gradually improved their production and consumption.
2011-2020 China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China and India maintained their positions; Bangladesh's production and consumption grew, while Vietnam's remained stable. 
2021-2024 China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam China and India remained at the top of the charts, while Bangladesh's production and consumption are on the rise, Indonesia has declined, and Vietnam's has fallen back in production but sustained its consumption.

Trends of Rice Producing Countries from 1990-2024

1990-2000: Early Stability

In the same decade, China and India led the world in rice production, accounting for over 50% of the total. China produced about 130 million metric tons, while India produced 90 million metric tons. 

Southeast Asian countries, like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, were also important and held production figures between 20 and 30 million metric tons. Rice is traditionally grown, and good weather conditions have seen global production averaging 400 million metric tons annually.

2001-2010: Technological Advancements

China and India were followed as leaders, with China producing 140 MMT per annum and India accounting for 100 MMT yearly. Others, like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, emerged from high-yielding rice varieties and irrigation facilities that boosted their production. This decade, the world's total production reached 450 MMT yearly, as new agricultural methods yielded more yield.

2011-2020: Growth with Challenges

China and India continued to lead, producing around 150 million and 105 million metric tons, respectively. Countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh also showed growth, while global production averaged 480 million metric tons annually. 

Several challenges, such as climate variability, existed during this period. Still, modern farming techniques and greater use of fertilizers overcame these challenges, sustaining production levels.

2021-2024: Ongoing Growth Amid Climate Concerns

In 2023/2024, China and India maintained their leading positions at 144.62 million metric tons and 137.83 million metric tons, respectively. Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam followed suit in Southeast Asia. Global rice production reached about 520.4 million metric tons, while climate change, technological innovations, and government policies affected the growth.

Conclusion

From 1990 to 2024, China and India held the first two positions in rice production, accounting for more than half of the world's total. Other important rice producers in Southeast Asia include Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Advances in agricultural technology and practices, including the introduction of high-yielding varieties of rice and better irrigation, have made increases in rice production possible. 

However, weather conditions and environmental factors still affect yield; hence, sustainable farming practices are needed. These trends are increasingly dependent on modern rice production techniques, dominant positions, and the influence of environmental factors on rice production.

FAQs

What Is the Trend in Rice Production?

Global rice production increased by 11.0 million tons in the 2024/25 market year compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of 533.7 million tons on a milled basis.

Which Country Produces the Most Rice in 2024?

China is the world's leading rice producer, followed by India and Indonesia.

What Are the Top 10 Countries in Africa That Produce Rice?

Nigeria, Egypt, Madagascar, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal are the top rice-producing countries in Africa.

Who Is the Largest Exporter of Rice in the World 2024?

India is the world's largest rice exporter, followed by Thailand and Vietnam.

Source:

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

Period:

2022/2023
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