Agriculture plays a crucial role in the global economy, particularly in developing nations. It serves as the primary source of employment, income, and sustenance, meeting these fundamental needs worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 67% of the total population is engaged in agriculture, contributing 39.4% to the GDP and accounting for 43% of total exports, including agricultural products. In recent years, agriculture has gained immense importance in global economic development. Developing nations heavily reliant on agriculture increasingly depend on food imports for security, while emerging countries' growth is tied to a substantial rise in their domestic agricultural production.
Around 11% of the world's land is utilized for agriculture, with about 26% allocated to animal grazing. Key agricultural production categories encompass food, energy, textiles, and natural resources, with further information on the top 10 agricultural-producing countries available below.
Top Agricultural Producing Countries in the World
Here are the top 10 agricultural nations renowned for producing exceptional food commodities worldwide. Take a glance at these leading agricultural-producing countries.
1. China
China, despite having only 7% of the world's arable land, manages to provide sustenance for a remarkable 22% of the global population. During the 20th century, China faced significant challenges in meeting the food demands of its vast population. However, subsequent improvements in agricultural policies and technologies propelled China towards self-sufficiency and robust growth in this sector. Nevertheless, China's top economic planning authority has cautioned that maintaining this level of self-sufficiency may become increasingly challenging.
Regarding agriculture in China, a substantial portion of the country's land is dedicated to farming. Interestingly, vegetables are cultivated not only in traditional fields but also on roadsides and the walls of many buildings. Since 1949, China has lost a significant portion of its arable land, and currently, only 10% to 15% of its total land area is suitable for agriculture. To ensure adequate water supply, an extensive 545,960 square kilometers of land in China is irrigated. Moreover, China holds the distinction of being the world's largest producer of rice and also produces significant quantities of soybeans, kaoliang (sorghum), wheat, millet, and corn.
2. United States
The United States is renowned for its advanced agricultural science and technology, setting an example for many countries in the agricultural sector. The agricultural industry in the United States continues to progress steadily, marked by advancements such as scientific soil analysis, crop analysis, the integration of innovative machinery, and the expanded use of computers. In essence, it can be affirmed that the United States leads the world in agricultural technology.
Agriculture in the United States has witnessed an annual growth rate of 5% since 1990. Furthermore, the productivity of each agricultural worker has increased by approximately 0.84% each year. The United States also boasts the highest timber production, with roughly 70% of the country's forests being under official ownership, permitting regulated logging.
As a net exporter of agricultural commodities, the United States had 2.2 million farms covering extensive agricultural land according to the 2007 agriculture census. Corn stands as the primary crop in the United States, producing an impressive 247,882,000 metric tons, followed by soybeans at 74,598,000 metric tons and wheat at 69,327,000 metric tons. Additionally, notable crops in the United States include sugar cane, potatoes, coffee, sugar beets, and bananas.
3. Brazil
Brazil has a rich history as one of the world's foremost agricultural nations, forming the cornerstone of its economy. Approximately 41% of the country's total land area is dedicated to agriculture, spanning a vast expanse of 2.1 billion acres, with farming covering nearly 867.4 million acres in Brazil. Sugarcane held a primary position in Brazil's initial agricultural pursuits, dating back 12,000 years, with a wide array of crops cultivated, including sweet potatoes, maize, peanuts, tobacco, and more.
Regarding agriculture in Brazil, the country holds the global lead in sugarcane production, consistently generating over 600 million tonnes annually. Brazil also ranks as the second-largest producer of soybeans worldwide, with these beans finding extensive use across the globe. Furthermore, Brazil serves as the world's largest exporter of coffee, beef, ethanol, and soybeans. Approximately 7% of Brazil's land is dedicated to crop production, primarily for soybeans, and the country accounts for one-third of the world's orange production.
4. India
Agriculture in India serves as the primary livelihood for approximately 58% of the population. Recent statistics indicate that agriculture is the predominant source of income for half of the populace, contributing between 17% to 18% to the country's GDP. Moreover, India holds the distinction of being the world's largest producer of numerous fruits such as bananas, guava, mangoes, lemons, papayas, and various vegetables, including chickpeas. India is also a significant producer of spices, which encompass ginger, pepper, and chili.
Agriculture in India
India holds the top spot in global milk production, secures the second position in dry fruit output, ranks third in fish production, stands fourth in egg production, and occupies the fifth position in poultry production worldwide.
Over the past 14 years, India has witnessed a remarkable increase in its agricultural production, soaring from 87 billion USD to 397 billion USD, reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 11%.
India boasts the largest irrigated land area in the world, covering a total of 96 million hectares.
The multifaceted landscape of Indian agriculture contributes significantly to the country's overall agricultural GDP, with animal farming and horticulture alone accounting for 60%.
Additionally, India holds the prestigious title of being the world's largest producer of wheat.
5. Russia
In Russia, approximately 13% of agricultural land is dedicated to cultivating crops such as sugar beets, wheat, and potatoes, with a focus on cereals like rye, barley, oats, and maize, which are the primary crops in the country. Despite its predominant industrial economy, Russia boasts a significant agricultural sector, contributing about 6% to the nation's overall GDP and offering employment opportunities to roughly 16% of the population.
Russia's agricultural landscape encompasses over 23 million hectares of cultivated land, with nearly half of this area dedicated to grain cultivation, accounting for 70% of the country's total grain production. Wheat stands out as the most prominent food crop throughout Russia, while sugar beet production has seen remarkable growth in recent years.
These were the top five highest agricultural-producing countries in the world.
