10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Melon
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Melon and Cantaloupe in 2023
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Melon and
Cantaloupe- According to FAOSTAT
Database in 2026, there are 10 world’s biggest country producers of Melon and
Cantaloupe in 2023. Basically, the melon/ cantaloupe becomes one of the world’s
most favorable fruits. Functionally, many people are
fond of these fruits and melon/ cantaloupe can be eaten freshly, as an
ingredient of juice, and fruit salad.
Based on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System
(ITIS), Taxonomically, this crop can be classified into Class: Magnoliopsida;
Superorder: Rosanae; Order: Cucurbitales; Family: Cucurbitaceae; Genus:
Cucumis; Species: C. melo. Because of its classification of Cucurbitaceae
family, melon/ cantaloupe has close relationship with some crops, namely
watermelon (C. lanatus, C. colocynthis), cucumber (C. sativus),
Pumpkin (Cucurbita argyrosperma, Cucurbita ficifolia, Cucurbita
maxima, Cucurbita moschata, and Cucurbita pepo).
Commonly, in botany, melons were divided into six groups namely,
Cantaloupe, Inodorus, Flexuosus, Conomon, Chito, Dudaim, and Momordica (Munger
and Robinson, 1991). Genetically, in the agriculture field, some of the popular
melon and cantaloupe’s cultivars, namely Home Rum, Galia, Savory, Hami, Canary,
Kirkagac, Santa Clause, and Charentais. Maybe in different countries, some
melons have different names because it depends on the company who owns the
trademarks.
The World’s Harvested Areas, Production, and Yield of Melon From 1961 to 2023
|
Year |
World's Area Harvested of Melon |
World's Production of Melon |
Yield |
|
Hectare (Ha) |
(Tons) |
(Tons/Hectare) |
|
|
1961 |
627,367 |
6,992,959 |
11.15 |
|
1962 |
573,658 |
6,676,427 |
11.64 |
|
1963 |
556,065 |
6,752,456 |
12.14 |
|
1964 |
547,815 |
6,674,515 |
12.18 |
|
1965 |
539,831 |
6,790,562 |
12.58 |
|
1966 |
531,871 |
6,708,665 |
12.61 |
|
1967 |
550,790 |
6,989,359 |
12.69 |
|
1968 |
568,164 |
7,295,854 |
12.84 |
|
1969 |
548,626 |
7,098,264 |
12.94 |
|
1970 |
503,180 |
6,535,621 |
12.99 |
|
1971 |
526,155 |
6,975,974 |
13.26 |
|
1972 |
530,105 |
7,086,642 |
13.37 |
|
1973 |
518,374 |
6,818,349 |
13.15 |
|
1974 |
509,872 |
6,953,126 |
13.64 |
|
1975 |
532,694 |
7,579,843 |
14.23 |
|
1976 |
558,741 |
7,824,891 |
14.00 |
|
1977 |
561,534 |
7,787,799 |
13.87 |
|
1978 |
609,337 |
8,479,339 |
13.92 |
|
1979 |
623,468 |
8,974,794 |
14.39 |
|
1980 |
625,474 |
8,804,553 |
14.08 |
|
1981 |
650,534 |
9,556,911 |
14.69 |
|
1982 |
702,862 |
10,359,427 |
14.74 |
|
1983 |
713,173 |
10,309,524 |
14.46 |
|
1984 |
743,902 |
11,138,777 |
14.97 |
|
1985 |
877,283 |
13,619,957 |
15.53 |
|
1986 |
903,429 |
14,017,118 |
15.52 |
|
1987 |
888,755 |
14,025,988 |
15.78 |
|
1988 |
934,331 |
14,530,697 |
15.55 |
|
1989 |
894,544 |
13,161,080 |
14.71 |
|
1990 |
902,716 |
13,659,736 |
15.13 |
|
1991 |
906,969 |
14,099,478 |
15.55 |
|
1992 |
938,662 |
14,820,083 |
15.79 |
|
1993 |
960,384 |
15,557,407 |
16.20 |
|
1994 |
963,395 |
15,951,582 |
16.56 |
|
1995 |
950,361 |
16,246,988 |
17.10 |
|
1996 |
943,859 |
17,344,511 |
18.38 |
|
1997 |
873,129 |
16,278,512 |
18.64 |
|
1998 |
940,861 |
17,402,595 |
18.50 |
|
1999 |
966,893 |
18,773,755 |
19.42 |
|
2000 |
1,014,976 |
19,845,685 |
19.55 |
|
2001 |
1,032,998 |
20,113,691 |
19.47 |
|
2002 |
1,076,438 |
21,856,601 |
20.30 |
|
2003 |
1,083,883 |
21,730,224 |
20.05 |
|
2004 |
1,041,435 |
21,799,549 |
20.93 |
|
2005 |
1,112,902 |
23,333,637 |
20.97 |
|
2006 |
1,122,710 |
24,158,141 |
21.52 |
|
2007 |
1,107,759 |
24,786,379 |
22.38 |
|
2008 |
1,100,388 |
25,359,874 |
23.05 |
|
2009 |
1,105,126 |
25,948,559 |
23.48 |
|
2010 |
1,126,278 |
26,093,051 |
23.17 |
|
2011 |
1,109,154 |
25,994,552 |
23.44 |
|
2012 |
1,084,952 |
25,903,940 |
23.88 |
|
2013 |
1,102,768 |
26,725,108 |
24.23 |
|
2014 |
1,075,236 |
26,332,283 |
24.49 |
|
2015 |
1,061,832 |
25,887,179 |
24.38 |
|
2016 |
1,104,487 |
26,920,586 |
24.37 |
|
2017 |
1,052,074 |
26,935,341 |
25.60 |
|
2018 |
1,045,315 |
27,347,888 |
26.16 |
|
2019 |
1,042,210 |
27,279,538 |
26.17 |
|
2020 |
1,044,839 |
27,580,360 |
26.40 |
|
2021 |
1,083,672 |
28,463,652 |
26.27 |
|
2022 |
1,077,729 |
28,631,368 |
26.57 |
|
2023 |
1,043,616 |
28,303,649 |
27.12 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|||
The statistics of melons are always in dynamic
flows. Statistically, the world’s production of melons has increased
from time to time. In 1961, the world’s production of melons reached 6,992,959 tons with harvested areas around 627,367 hectares (ha). Meanwhile, in 2023,
after more than 30 years, the world’s production of melon has become 28,303,649
tons with harvested areas around 1,043,616 hectares (ha). Furthermore, the
yield/ productivity also increased from 11.15 tons/ hectare in 1961, and it has
become 27.12 tons/ hectare (t/ha) in 2023.
The Production of Melon Based on Continental Region in 2023
|
Continent |
Production of Melon in
2023 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
1,438,931 |
|
Americas |
3,730,907 |
|
Asia |
20,981,020 |
|
Europe |
1,922,622 |
|
Oceania |
230,168 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Specifically, based on the continent region, the
production area spread into several regions. Basically, the
Asia region still becomes the biggest production area with
output of melon’s fruits around 21 million tons. The Americas, Europe, and
Africa are behind Asia with production of melon’s fruits
approximately 3.7 million tons, 1.9 million tons, and 1.4 million tons.
Based on the country, there are some biggest producers of melons
in 2023. Here is the rank of 10 world’s biggest producers of Melon and
Cantaloupes. All of the data was obtained from FAO Statistical Corporate
Database (FAOSTAT), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2026.
The Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Melon and Cantaloupes in 2023
|
Ranks |
Countries |
Production of Melon in
2023 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
China, mainland |
13,169,360 |
|
2 |
India |
1,498,000 |
|
3 |
Türkiye |
1,403,214 |
|
4 |
Kazakhstan |
1,371,382 |
|
5 |
Brazil |
867,544 |
|
6 |
Italy |
762,580 |
|
7 |
Guatemala |
756,306 |
|
8 |
Afghanistan |
702,765 |
|
9 |
Mexico |
648,541 |
|
10 |
Iran (Islamic Republic of) |
641,099 |
|
Source : FAOSTAT, 2023 |
||
Brief Descriptions of 10 World’s Biggest Producers of Melon and Cantaloupes
1.China, mainland
China became the biggest producer of melon in 2023.
According to FAOSTAT, the production of Melon from China reached 13,169,360
tons. Geographically, in China, Melons are cultivated in almost all
provinces except Qinghai and Tibet. Of all provinces, the main
production provinces that have huge production of Melon are Shandong,
Heilongjiang, Hena, Xinjiang, Jiling, Jiangsu (Yang et al., 2005).
Furthermore, based on the research by (Yang et al., 2005), the
regions of melon production in China can be divided into six zones. These
include:
1. Northwest Region (Xinjiang, Gansu, West of Inner
Mongolia)
2. Northeast Region (Liaoning, Jiling,
Heilongjiang)
3. Middle Region (Jiangsu, Anhui,
Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan)
4. North Region (Shandong, Shanxi,
Shanxi, Hubei)
5. Southwest Region (Sichuan, Yunnan,
Guizhou)
6. South Region (Guangdong, Fujian,
Hainan, Taiwan, Guangxi)
Based on the genotypes of
melon, the types of melon that are cultivated in China are Hami
Melon, Honeydew Melon, and Oriental Melon. Specifically, based on the
cultivars, some of the cultivars of each kind of melon namely Hami melon
(Ganmao, Queen, 8601, Hanxiao, Kalakusai / Jiashi), honeydew melons (Huanghemi
and Yindi) and oriental melon (Huanan 108, Yingua, Jintasi, and Wanghai).
2.India
India become the 2nd biggest producer of
melon in 2023. According to FAOSTAT, the production of India’s melon reached
1,498,000 tons. Geographically, based on Apeda Database in 2015-2026 cit
(Meena et al., 2018), the main growing areas of melon in India can
be found in Uttar Pradesh with output of melon’s fruits around 528 thousand
tons, Andhra Pradesh 151 thousand tons, Punjab 91 thousand tons, Madhya Pradesh
with 40 thousand tons, and Haryana with 30 thousand tons. Based on
genotypes, some cultivars of melon that are commonly cultivated in
India are Hara Madhu, Durgapura Madhu, Pusa Sharbati, Arka Rajhans, Arka Jeet,
Pusa Madhuras, and Pusa Rasraj.
3.Türkiye
Türkiye is the 3rd biggest producer of
melon in 2023. Statistically, the production of Melon from Türkiye reached 1,403,214
tons. Geographically, in Türkiye, there are some production areas of
Melon. The cultivation areas of melon in Turkiye can be found in Adana, Konya,
Denizli, Antalya, Ankara and Manisa provinces. Based on melon genotypes, some
of the varieties of melon in Turkiye are Kirkağaç and Galia.
4.Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan also has a huge production of melon in
2023. According to FAOSTAT, the production of Cantaloupe from Kazakhstan
reached 1,371,382 tons. Geographically, in Kazakhstan, there are some main
growing areas of Melon. Some of them are located in Zhambyl, South
Kazakhstan, and Kyzylorda Provinces. Based on genotypes, many melon cultivars
can be found in Kazakhstan. Some of of them are Agrestis, Ameri, Cantalupensis,
Cassaba, Chandalak, Inodorus Zard and Zurbek (Tanaka et al., 2023).
5. Brazil
Brazil is the 5th biggest producer of melon
in 2023. Statistically, the output of melons from Brazil is
around 867,544 tons. Geographically, there are some regions of melon
cultivation in Brazil. Geographically, in Brazil, some main growing
areas of melon distribute in the states of Rio Grande do Norte accounts for
66.85% of national melon production in Brazil, followed by Ceará for 13.72%,
and Bahia for 10.53% (Barros et al., 2020).
6. Italy
Italy is the next biggest producer of melon in 2023.
Commonly, this country has melons around 762,580 tons.
Geographically, there are some regions of
melon Italy. Some of the locations are in Mantua, Emilia-Romagna
and Bari. Based on the type of melon, some of the melon cultivars in
Italy are Mantovano and Barattiere.
7. Guatemala
Guatemala is the next biggest producer of melon in 2023.
According to FAO Statistics (FAOSTAT), the production of melon from Guatemala reached
756,306 tons. Geographically, some areas of melon cultivation in
Guatemala are located in Zacapa and Ipala region.
8. Afghanistan
Afghanistan is the 8th biggest producer of
melon in 2023. Statistically, the production melon from Afghanistan achieved 702,765
tons. Based on Genotypes, some of the melons that cultivated in
Afghanistan are sawzmaghz, sawzmaghz-e khadai, zormati, qashqai, kandak,
kandak-e Deh Wairan, and arkani. Geographically, some of the growing
regions of Melon in Afghanistan spread across Balkh, Faryab, Jowzjan,
Kunduz, Baghlan, and Samangan.
9. Mexico
Mexico also has huge production of Melon or Cantaloupes in
2023. Statistically, the production of Cantaloupes from Mexico reached 648,541
tons according to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). Geographically,
Mexico's primary melon-growing area locate in the Comarca Lagunera
(Coahuila/Durango) and some other region of melon cultivation in Mexico locates
in Sonora, Chihuahua, Veracruz, Jalisco, and Guerrero. Genetically, in Mexico, there
are two most popular commercial melon varieties in Mexico, namely the
Cantaloupe and the Valenciano. Futhermore, another well-known native melon
fruit in Mexico is the cucamelon (Melothria scabra), also known as the Mexican
sour gherkin or mouse melon.
10.Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Iran is the next biggest country’s producer of melon in 2023.
Statistically, the production of Melon from Iran reached 641,009
tons. In Iran, some of growing regions of Melon are including Bushehr,
Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchistan, and Khozetan (Zangoueinejad et
al., 2021).
The Table Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Melon and Cantaloupes
The Summary of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Melon and Cantaloupes
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