Rice is one of the most important staple foods in the world, providing sustenance and nutrition to millions of people. It is a key source of carbohydrates and is widely cultivated across the globe. Unfortunately, Pakistan doesn’t fall on the list of top rice-producing countries.
World’s top rice-producing countries are as follows:-
1- China
China is the world’s largest producer of rice, accounting for almost 30% of global rice production. It is a major staple food in China and is consumed in various forms, such as steamed rice, fried rice, and congee. China’s rice production is mostly concentrated in the southern regions, including Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong provinces.
2- India
India is the world’s second-largest producer of rice, accounting for approximately 20% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in India and is an integral part of the country’s culture and cuisine. The majority of rice cultivation in India is concentrated in the eastern states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
3- Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s third-largest producer of rice, accounting for around 8% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in Indonesia and is consumed in various forms, such as nasi goreng (fried rice) and nasi kuning (yellow rice). The majority of rice cultivation in Indonesia is concentrated in the western regions, including West Java, Central Java, and East Java.
4- Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the world’s fourth-largest producer of rice, accounting for approximately 5% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in Bangladesh and is consumed in various forms, such as steamed rice, biryani, and khichuri. The majority of rice cultivation in Bangladesh is concentrated in the northern regions, including Rajshahi and Rangpur.
5- Vietnam
Vietnam is the world’s fifth-largest producer of rice, accounting for around 5% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in Vietnam and is consumed in various forms, such as com tam (broken rice) and pho (rice noodle soup). The majority of rice cultivation in Vietnam is concentrated in the Mekong Delta region.
6- Thailand
Thailand is the world’s sixth-largest producer of rice, accounting for around 4% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in Thailand and is consumed in various forms, such as khao pad (fried rice) and khao soi (curried noodles). The majority of rice cultivation in Thailand is concentrated in the central and northeastern regions.
7- Myanmar
Myanmar is the world’s seventh-largest producer of rice, accounting for around 3% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in Myanmar and is consumed in various forms, such as htamin jaw (steamed rice with side dishes) and kyar zan hin (rice pudding). The majority of rice cultivation in Myanmar is concentrated in the Irrawaddy Delta region.
8- Philippines
The Philippines is the world’s eighth-largest producer of rice, accounting for around 2% of global rice production. Rice is a staple food in the Philippines and is consumed in various forms, such as sinangag (garlic fried rice) and arroz caldo (rice porridge). The majority of rice cultivation in the Philippines is concentrated in the Luzon and Mindanao regions.
9- Brazil
Brazil is the world’s ninth-largest producer of rice, accounting for around 2% of global rice production. Rice is not a staple food in Brazil, but it is still widely consumed in various forms, such as arroz com feijão (rice and beans) and risotto. The majority of rice cultivation in Brazil is concentrated in the southern regions.
