10 World’s Biggest Watermelon- Producing Countries
10 World’s Biggest Watermelon-Producing Countries
10 World’s Biggest
Watermelon-Producing Countries– Based on the FAO Statistical Database (FAOSTAT)
in 2026, there are 10 World’s Biggest watermelon-producing countries in 2024.
These countries certainly have huge production of watermelon fruits and also have their own preferences for watermelon plants because the
watermelon fruit is sweet, crunchy, refreshing, and its taste is a very lovely
dream of the consumers.
Physically, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is
a type of creeping plant that is widely cultivated throughout the world.
Taxonomically, watermelon plants are included in the Division: Spermatophyta;
Subdivisions: Angiosperms; Class: Dicotyledonae;
Order: Cucurbitales; Family: Cucurbitaceae;
Genus: Citrullus; Species: Citrullus lanatus.
Watermelon is an annual fruit plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family so
that it still has a close relationship with other similar plants such as melon
(Cucumis melo L.), chayote (Sechium edule), Calabash (Lagenaria
siceraria (Mol) Standl.), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata
Dutch ex Poir), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).
Watermelon cultivation has been conducted for a
long time. Historically, wild watermelon seeds have been found at
the site of prehistoric Libya Uan Muhuggiag. There is also evidence
of the discovery of watermelon seeds in the tombs of Pharaohs in Egypt. Until
now, watermelon cultivation has spread to various parts of the world. They
cultivate this plant because the fruit produced has a taste that is liked by
all human beings. Commonly, in the seed industries, there are some popular
watermelon cultivars/ varieties. Many seed companies released some popular
cultivars of watermelon in the world, namely Crimson Sweet, Sugar baby, Orange
Crisp, Golden Midget Watermelon, Amarillo Watermelon, Charleston Gray, Farmers
Wonderful.
The World’s Production, Harvested Areas, and Yield of Watermelon From 1961 to 2024
|
Year |
World's Area Harvested of Watermelon Plants |
World's Production of Watermelon Fruits |
Yield |
|
(Hectare (Ha)) |
(Tons) |
(Tons/Hectare (T/ha) |
|
|
1961 |
1,955,516 |
17,847,421 |
9.13 |
|
1962 |
1,995,266 |
19,137,184 |
9.59 |
|
1963 |
1,967,362 |
19,182,440 |
9.75 |
|
1964 |
1,949,609 |
19,618,819 |
10.06 |
|
1965 |
1,931,300 |
19,149,955 |
9.92 |
|
1966 |
1,887,116 |
20,090,471 |
10.65 |
|
1967 |
1,929,536 |
20,893,875 |
10.83 |
|
1968 |
1,931,648 |
21,256,722 |
11.00 |
|
1969 |
1,902,244 |
21,113,283 |
11.10 |
|
1970 |
1,751,501 |
19,577,867 |
11.18 |
|
1971 |
1,844,136 |
22,148,511 |
12.01 |
|
1972 |
1,903,959 |
21,116,168 |
11.09 |
|
1973 |
1,953,613 |
21,926,466 |
11.22 |
|
1974 |
1,858,276 |
21,988,860 |
11.83 |
|
1975 |
1,883,016 |
23,766,420 |
12.62 |
|
1976 |
1,920,491 |
24,385,874 |
12.70 |
|
1977 |
1,903,086 |
24,239,738 |
12.74 |
|
1978 |
2,074,645 |
25,154,572 |
12.12 |
|
1979 |
1,977,882 |
26,442,656 |
13.37 |
|
1980 |
1,910,505 |
26,406,813 |
13.82 |
|
1981 |
1,929,646 |
27,720,834 |
14.37 |
|
1982 |
2,034,636 |
28,749,585 |
14.13 |
|
1983 |
2,022,311 |
28,837,337 |
14.26 |
|
1984 |
2,060,209 |
29,572,949 |
14.35 |
|
1985 |
2,359,820 |
35,304,287 |
14.96 |
|
1986 |
2,403,910 |
35,614,953 |
14.82 |
|
1987 |
2,529,865 |
38,947,629 |
15.40 |
|
1988 |
2,433,570 |
37,556,799 |
15.43 |
|
1989 |
2,336,817 |
34,959,232 |
14.96 |
|
1990 |
2,111,636 |
34,869,745 |
16.51 |
|
1991 |
2,194,814 |
35,076,230 |
15.98 |
|
1992 |
2,237,770 |
36,447,567 |
16.29 |
|
1993 |
2,265,602 |
38,456,181 |
16.97 |
|
1994 |
2,231,347 |
38,652,868 |
17.32 |
|
1995 |
2,353,276 |
41,927,213 |
17.82 |
|
1996 |
2,476,053 |
47,989,403 |
19.38 |
|
1997 |
2,581,933 |
60,192,713 |
23.31 |
|
1998 |
2,856,290 |
61,702,537 |
21.60 |
|
1999 |
3,033,627 |
73,705,658 |
24.30 |
|
2000 |
3,179,450 |
77,192,732 |
24.28 |
|
2001 |
3,289,990 |
84,000,841 |
25.53 |
|
2002 |
3,339,705 |
91,035,824 |
27.26 |
|
2003 |
3,475,147 |
89,183,152 |
25.66 |
|
2004 |
3,271,397 |
88,877,835 |
27.17 |
|
2005 |
3,283,768 |
91,870,994 |
27.98 |
|
2006 |
3,371,120 |
94,379,470 |
28.00 |
|
2007 |
3,260,174 |
87,483,032 |
26.83 |
|
2008 |
3,178,710 |
90,071,351 |
28.34 |
|
2009 |
3,198,878 |
92,358,054 |
28.87 |
|
2010 |
3,236,881 |
94,552,452 |
29.21 |
|
2011 |
3,201,501 |
94,740,409 |
29.59 |
|
2012 |
3,126,242 |
96,333,427 |
30.81 |
|
2013 |
3,146,478 |
97,754,521 |
31.07 |
|
2014 |
3,158,841 |
99,430,016 |
31.48 |
|
2015 |
3,173,902 |
101,345,253 |
31.93 |
|
2016 |
3,206,682 |
102,758,882 |
32.05 |
|
2017 |
3,094,170 |
101,420,706 |
32.78 |
|
2018 |
3,102,554 |
101,116,581 |
32.59 |
|
2019 |
3,158,329 |
102,188,121 |
32.36 |
|
2020 |
3,162,508 |
104,348,208 |
33.00 |
|
2021 |
3,084,084 |
102,702,688 |
33.30 |
|
2022 |
3,046,441 |
103,180,925 |
33.87 |
|
2023 |
3,070,931 |
104,408,251 |
34.00 |
|
2024 |
3,053,191 |
104,959,426 |
34.38 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|||
In the world’s statistics of watermelon, the
world’s production of watermelon from 1961 to 2024 has increased substantially.
In 1961, the world’s production of watermelon was just 17.4 million tons with
harvested areas around 1.9 million hectares (ha). Meanwhile, after more than 60 years, precisely in 2024, the world’s production of
watermelon reached 104 million tons with
harvested areas around 3 million hectares (ha). Meanwhile, based on the yield,
it also increased from 9.6 tons/hectare (t/ha) in 1961 and became 34 tons / hectare (t/ha) in the year of 2024.
The Production of Watermelon Based on Continent in 2024
|
Continent |
Production of Watermelon in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
7,737,087 |
|
Americas |
7,354,707 |
|
Asia |
83,645,981 |
|
Europe |
5,802,879 |
|
Oceania |
418,772 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Specifically,
when viewed from the distribution, the Asian continent still become the main
region of watermelon production with a total harvested area of 83 million tons
(79% of total worldwide watermelon production), followed by the African
continent with 7.7 million tons (7.5% of total worldwide production) and the
Americas with production reaching 7.3 million tons (6.9% of the worldwide
watermelon production). When viewed from the level of producer countries,
there are 10 World’s Biggest Watermelon-Producing Countries in 2024. This data
is obtained from the FAO Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) in
2026.
Rank Table of the 10 World’s Biggest Watermelon Producing Countries in 2024
|
Ranks |
Countries |
Production of Watermelon in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
China,
mainland |
63,510,422 |
|
2 |
India |
3,721,254 |
|
3 |
Türkiye |
3,198,000 |
|
4 |
Algeria |
2,520,724 |
|
5 |
Brazil |
1,978,702 |
|
6 |
Russian
Federation |
1,935,891 |
|
7 |
Uzbekistan |
1,730,817 |
|
8 |
United
States of America |
1,677,612 |
|
9 |
Senegal |
1,362,440 |
|
10 |
Iran
(Islamic Republic of) |
1,280,722 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
Brief Description of the 10 World’s Biggest Watermelon Producing Countries
1. China
China is the World’s Biggest
watermelon-producing country. According to data from FAO, the watermelon
production of Mao Zedong’s country of origin reached 63.5 million tons in 2024.
Specifically, more than 60% of the world's total production of watermelon came
from China.
Geographically, there are several central areas of
watermelon cultivation in China including Shandong, Gansu, Ningxia,
Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hebei, Jiangsu, Hubei,
Jiangxi, Shanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Shanghai, Hainan, Zhejiang, and
Beijing. Culturally, in China, watermelon
fruits symbolize luck, prosperity, and good fortune and they are usually eaten
during Lunar New Year. Commonly, the huge production of watermelon in China
is used for the high consumption of watermelon by
Chinese people. Basically, on average, a person in
China consumes over 100 lbs (approx. 50 kg) of watermelon per year.
2. India
India is the 2nd world’s biggest
watermelon producing country in 2024. According to data from FAO, watermelon
production reached 3.7 million tons in 2024. In Mahatma Gandhi’s home country,
there are several central areas of watermelon cultivation. The
watermelon main region includes the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, West Bengal, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh. According
to data from the National Horticulture Board (NHB) in 2018, in
India, the largest watermelon-producing state is Uttar Pradesh with production
reaching 619 thousand tons, followed by Andhra Pradesh with a production of 360
thousand tons, and Karnataka with a production of 336 thousand tons.
Genetically, India grows a mix of native hybrids and commercial types of
watermelon, including sugar baby, Arka Manik, Kiran, Durgapura Kesar
3. Türkiye
Türkiye is the
3rd world’s biggest watermelon-producing Country in 2024. According to data
from FAO, watermelon production reached 3.19 million tons. In Turkish language,
watermelon is called “karpuz.” And agronomically, watermelon plants are widely
cultivated in the Antalya region, Türkiye. Furthermore,
in Türkiye, there are “The Diyarbakır Watermelon and Culture
Festival” which promote the quality of the local fruit, especially
watermelon. Genetically, some popular watermelon cultivars or varieties in Türkiye
are Diyarbakır Watermelon, Crimson Sweet, and Tekirdağ Watermelon. Commonly, in
Turkiye, July and August are the peak season of the watermelons which has
abundant availability of watermelons.
4. Algeria
Algeria is the 4th biggest
watermelon-producing country in the World of 2024. According to data from FAO,
watermelon production from Algeria reached 2.5 million tons and Algeria still
became the world’s largest watermelon producer from the African continent in
2024.
Geographically, the main cultivation area of
watermelon in Algeria can be found in Ouargla (Southern Algeria) and Watermelon
in Ouargla are now cultivated in several new agricultural areas, namely
Khechem-Errih, Hassi Benandalleh, Hassi Messaoud, and Taibet. In the Genetic aspects, the Crimson Sweet is one
of the most popular watermelon cultivars or varieties in Algeria. Furthermore, based on the agribusiness condition, the months of June
to August is recognized as the peak season of the watermelon in Alegria,
describing the time when melons are abundant in Algerian markets.
5. Brazil
Watermelon in Brazil, known locally as Melancia
and Brazil is the 5th world’s biggest watermelon producing
country in 2024. According to data from FAO, watermelon production reached 1.97
million tons. In Brazil, there are several central areas for watermelon
cultivation. The area includes the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Sao
Paulo, Goias, Bahia and Tocantins. Some types of
watermelon that are popular in Brazil are Omaru Yamato, Charleston
Gray, Fairfax, Crimson Sweet, Perola, Pingo Doce (Sweet Drop), Amarela
(Yellow) and Embrapa. In Brazil, Uruana (Goiás)
is known as the "Watermelon Capital" of Brazil because every September, this municipality hosts the Festa da Melancia (Watermelon
Festival), which features a parade, a "Queen of Watermelon" beauty
pageant, and competitions for the biggest fruit.
6. Russia
Russia is the 6th biggest
watermelon producing country in the world of2024. According to data from FAO,
watermelon production reached 1.93 million tons. Geographically, the watermelon
in Russia can be found in Astrakhan Oblast, Volgograd, Krasnodar Krai,
Stavropol Krai with some of cultivated watermelon in Russia are Astrakhan
Standard, Yellow/Orange Flesh, Siberian Varieties.
7. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan also has huge production of watermelon
in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the
production of watermelon from Uzbekistan reached 1.73 million tons.
Geographically, some of the cultivation regions in Uzbekistan are in Khorezm,
Samarkand, Bukhara, Fergana, Tashkent, Surkhandarya, and Kashkadarya.
Genetically, in Uzbekistan, there are some notable local varieties of watermelon including Dilnoz, Manzur,
Koziboy, and Shirin Sharq. Based on the climatic conditions, the months of
July, August, and September are recognized as the peak season of watermelon because
of the abundant availability of watermelons in
Uzbekistan.
8. The United States of America
The United States of America is the 8th world’s
biggest watermelon producing country. According to data from FAO, watermelon
production from the USA reached 1.67 million tons in 2024. The states
in the United States with the largest watermelon production are Arizona,
California, Delaware, Florida, and Texas. In total,
watermelon production from these 5 states accounts for 69% of the United
States’ total national watermelon production. Currently, the watermelon in the
USA is divided into Seedless (Triploid) watermelon, now dominating the
USA watermelon market (approximately 85% of USA's commercial sales) and Seeded
(Diploid) with some popular varieties, namely Crimson Sweet (classic
stripes), Jubilee (large, oblong), and Charleston Gray.
9. Senegal
Senegal is the 9th biggest country producer of
Watermelon in 2024. According to the FAO Statistical Corporate
Database, the production of watermelon from Senegal reached 1.36 million tons.
Geographically, in Senegal, the main cultivation areas of watermelon can be
found in The Niayes Zone, located in the northwest (near Dakar and the coast),
and still recognized as the primary horticultural belt. Furthermore, some other
of the cultivation areas of watermelon in Senegal are Saint-Louis, Thiès,
Kaolack, Fatick. Genetically, Farmers in Senegal cultivate several varieties of
watermelon including Dumara, Crimson Sweet, Sugar Baby, and Kaolack.
10. Iran
Iran also has huge production of
watermelon in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT),
the production of watermelon from Iran reached 1.28 million tons.
Geographically, in Iran, the watermelon main cultivation areas can be found in
the states of Kerman, Hormuzgan, Khuzistan, and Khurasan Razavi.
The Table Summary of 10 World’s Biggest Watermelon Producing Countries in 2024
The Histogram Summary of 10 World’s Biggest Watermelon Producing Countries in 2024
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