30 World’s Most Harvested Crops
300 World’s
Most Harvested Crops– Based on the data of The FAO Statistical
Corporate Database in 2023, there are 30 World’s Most Harvested Crops in the
World. Crops are cultivated plants to get beneficial economic benefits from the
harvested plants. As humans, these crops can be important
to support our life. It can provide food, animal feed, and other needs.
Precisely, our quality of life is dependent on these crops. So, because of high
demand for harvesting output of these crops, some planters or farmers planted
and cultivated these plants in extensive areas. Statistically, most of the
country planted these plants from time to time and were more intense.
Along with the inevitable facts about the growth
of the human population from time to time, the production of crops must be
boosted to meet humans’ needs. Here are the 30 world’s most harvested crops in
2023 based on area harvested of crops in 2023. Because of this crop, our life
can exist and sustain for extended periods. We can see, know, or taste these
crops. We consume these crops or their derivatives to help human growth and
life. Here is the rank of 30 World’s Most Harvested Crops. These data are obtained
from The FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2025.
The Rank of 30 World’s Most Harvested Crops
|
Rank |
Name of Plants |
Scientific Name of Plants |
Area Harvested in 2023 |
Production in 2023 |
|
Hectare (Ha) |
(Tons) |
|||
|
1 |
Wheat |
Triticum spp. |
220,407,070 |
798,975,306 |
|
2 |
Maize |
Zea mays |
208,234,140 |
1,241,557,811 |
|
3 |
Paddy |
Oryza sativa |
168,365,566 |
799,999,504 |
|
4 |
Soybeans |
Glicine max |
136,903,849 |
371,173,609 |
|
5 |
Barley |
Hordeum vulgare |
46,254,750 |
145,759,524 |
|
6 |
Rapeseed |
Brassica napus subsp. Napus |
43,453,593 |
91,876,424 |
|
7 |
Sorghum |
Sorghum spp. |
39,851,368 |
57,298,318 |
|
8 |
Seed Cotton |
|
32,233,982 |
74,289,756 |
|
9 |
Cassava |
Manihot utilissima |
32,217,713 |
333,681,193 |
|
10 |
Millet |
Pennisetum glaucum |
31,332,668 |
31,596,316 |
|
11 |
Sunflower |
Helianthus annuus |
30,149,329 |
58,574,866 |
|
12 |
Groundnut |
Arachis hypogaea |
30,920,574 |
54,272,900 |
|
13 |
Oil Palm |
Elaeis guineensis |
28,959,308 |
409,151,773 |
|
14 |
Sugarcane |
Saccharum officinarum |
27,082,428 |
2,025,797,465 |
|
15 |
Potatoes |
Solanum tuberosum L. |
16,799,108 |
383,082,607 |
|
16 |
Cowpeas |
Vigna unguiculata |
15,417,401 |
9,784,129 |
|
17 |
Chickpeas |
Cicer arietinum |
14,096,756 |
16,517,592 |
|
18 |
Natural
Rubber |
Hevea brasiliensis |
13,576,507 |
14,757,135 |
|
19 |
Sesame Seed |
Sesamum indicum |
13,052,038 |
6,788,881 |
|
20 |
Coffee |
Coffea L. |
12,185,894 |
11,064,205 |
|
21 |
Cocoa beans |
Theobroma cacao |
11,654,929 |
5,600,100 |
|
22 |
Coconut |
Cocos nucifera |
11,253,700 |
64,675,251 |
|
23 |
Olive |
Olea europaea |
11,139,786 |
20,296,489 |
|
24 |
Yams |
Dioscorea alata |
10,609,000 |
89,345,124 |
|
25 |
Sweet
potatoes |
Ipomoea batatas |
7,570,330 |
93,519,977 |
|
26 |
Grapes |
Vitis vinifera |
6,595,680 |
72,486,522 |
|
27 |
Mango and
Guava |
|
6,159,876 |
61,107,091 |
|
28 |
Banana |
Musa spp |
5,973,253 |
139,277,894 |
|
29 |
Tomatoes |
Solanum lycopersicum |
5,412,458 |
192,317,973 |
|
30 |
Apples |
Malus domestica |
4,618,285 |
97,339,338 |
|
31 |
Sugarbeet |
Beta vulgaris |
4,520,200 |
281,194,638 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2024 |
||||
Brief Description of 30 World’s Most Harvested
Crops
1. Wheat (Triticum L.)
Wheat becomes the world’s most harvested crop in 2023. Statistically, the harvested area of wheat in 2023 reached 220 million hectares (ha) with a total
production of wheat all over the world in 2023 reaching 778 million tons.
Commonly, in several places, the wheat can be divided into some types. These
types are Hard red winter wheat, soft
red winter wheat, hard red spring wheat, Hard white wheat, soft white wheat,
and Durum wheat. Functionally, wheat can be used as the main ingredient of
some popular culinary products. Noodles, tortillas, pizza, bread, cakes are some of the foods that base flour mainly
come from wheat.
In 2023, statistically, there are some countries
with the biggest production of wheat. The 10 World’s Biggest wheat producers in
2023 are China, India, Russia, the United States of America, France, Canada,
Ukraine, Pakistan, Germany, Australia, and Argentina.
2. Maize (Zea maize)
Maize becomes the second world harvested crops in
2023. Statistically, the harvested area of maize all over the world in 2023
reached 208 million hectares with total production reaching 1.2 billion tons.
Maze is an important source of carbohydrates to humans, or animals. The seed/
kernels of maize can be consumed fresh or can be processed into several
products like popcorn. Nowadays, in some areas, maize can be processed as an
alternative source of biofuels, and the demand for maize as animal feed
especially for cattle is getting higher.
Based on the country’s statistics, there are some
countries with the biggest production of Maize. These countries are the United
States of America, China, Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, India, Mexico, Indonesia,
France, South Africa, and Russia.
3. Rice, paddy (Oryza sativa)
Rice still becomes the third biggest commodity in
the world based on
harvested areas. In 2023, based on FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the harvested area of Rice all over the world reached 165 million hectares with the production of rice reaching
799 million tons.
In the Asia region, Rice is still the biggest
staple food for fulfilling human nutrition. Many Asian countries still depend on Oryza sativa which is used as staple foods. Based on the
statistical data on a country database, there are some countries which have
huge production of Rice. These countries are China, India, Indonesia,
Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Pakistan, and
Philippines.
4. Soybeans (Glycine max)
Soybean is the fourth most important agricultural
commodity. Statistically, the harvested area of Soybean in 2023 all over the
world reach 136 million hectares with production reaching 371 million tons.
Soybean is one of the most popular plant species from the Leguminosae family.
It contains a large amount of protein, and many people fall in love with
soybeans. Soybeans can be processed into soybean oil, tofu, tempeh, sauce, soy
sauce, and other products.
Based on the FAO Statistical Corporate
Database in 2023, there are some country’s producers that have huge soybean
production. These countries are Brazil, the United States of America,
Argentina, China, India, Paraguay, Canada, Russia Federation, Ukraine, Bolivia.
5. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L)
Barley is the next most harvested crop in the
world with a harvested area of 46 million hectares and total production reached
145 million tons in 2023. Commonly, this plant has close relations with wheat, paddy, and
some of the other crops from the Poaceae family. Functionally, barley can be
used as a natural sweetener, ingredient for brewing beer, and making some
alcoholic beverages.
Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical
Corporate database in 2021, there are some biggest producers of Barley in 2021,
these countries are Russia, France, Germany, Canada, Ukraine, Australia, the
United Kingdom of Great Britain, Spain, Turkey, and Argentina.
6. Rapeseed (Brassica napus)
Rapeseed is the seventh-most harvested crop in
2023. Statistically, the harvested area of rapeseed reaches 43 million hectares
with total production reaching 91.8 million tons. Functionally, the harvested
rapeseed can be processed into some products. These products are edible oil,
biodiesel, lubricant, and feed. Based on the country region, there are some
biggest producers of rapeseed in 2021. China, Canada, India, Australia,
Germany, France, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Romania are the ten world’s biggest producers
of rapeseed.
7. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Sorghum is the sixth most harvested crop in 2023.
Statistically, the total harvested area reaches 39.8 million hectares, and the
production reaches 57.2 million tons. Functionally, this plant is used for
cattle feed, poultry feed, and potable alcohol. Based on geography, there are
some countries that have the biggest production of sorghum. Accumulatively,
these countries are the United States of America, Nigeria, India, Ethiopia,
Mexico, Sudan, Argentina, China, Brazil, and Australia
8. Cotton (Gossypium L)
Cotton is still a highly demanded crop in the
world of 2021. Based on the FAO Statistical Database in 2021, the harvested
area of cotton reached 32 million hectares with production reaching 74 million
tons.
Cotton is the main raw material for the fashion
and clothes industries around the world. When there is a growing of clothes,
apparel, and fashion industries, the demand for cottonseed is getting higher.
Statistically, there are some of the biggest producers of seed cotton in 2021.
These are China, India, the United States of America, Brazil, Pakistan,
Uzbekistan, Turkey, Australia, Turkmenistan, and Argentina
9. Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Cassava is the next 11th most harvested crop in
2023. Statistically, the production of cassava in 2023 reached 314 million tons
with a harvested area reaching 32.3 million hectares. Basically, Cassava is the
source of carbohydrates for humans. In arid regions with limited water for
agriculture, planting cassava is one of the solutions to provide food. Because
of the water-resistance, this plant is usually cultivated in shortage water
regions.
10. Millet (Panicum L)
Millet is the next most harvested crop in the
world. In 2023, the harvested area of millet reached 31.3 million hectares with production around the world
reaching 31.5 million tons. Functionally, millet can be used to make bread,
beer, cereal, and other dishes.
Statistically, there are some biggest producers of
millet in 2021. These countries are India, China, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Mali,
Senegal, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Chad. They have huge production of millet
in 2021 to fulfill human consumption.
11. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L)
Sunflower is
the next most harvested crop in 2023. Statistically, the harvested area of sunflowers reaches 30.1 million hectares, and the production of
sunflower seeds reaches 58 million tons.
Sunflowers are raw materials of some products,
especially for oil. Based on the country regions, there are some biggest
producers of Sunflower seed. These countries are Russian, Ukraine, Argentina,
Romania, China, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary, France, and Tanzania.
12. Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L)
Groundnut become the 9th most
harvested crop in 2023. The total of harvested crops in that year reached 30.9 million hectares with the production of ground nuts
all over the world reaching 54.2 million tons. Ground nuts can be consumed
fresh, boiled groundnuts, roasted groundnuts,
and these crops can be used as cattle fodder.
Statistically, in 2023, there are some countries
with the biggest producers of ground nuts. These countries are China, India,
Nigeria, the United States of America, Sudan, Senegal, Myanmar, Argentina,
Chad, and Guinea.
13. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)
Oil Palm is the 13th most
harvested crop in 2023. Statistically, the total harvested area reached 28.9
million hectares with total production of 409 million tons. Commonly, the
harvested fruits are
usually processed with some derivatives products, namely oil, biodiesel. Raw material
for soap, butter, and some other products. Statistically, there are some
countries that have the biggest production of palm oil in 2023. These countries
are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nigeria, Colombia, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea,
Brazil, Cameroon, and Ghana
14. Sugarcane (Saccharum L)
Sugarcane is the next 14th most
harvested crop in 2023. Statistically, the harvested area of Sugarcane reaches
27 million hectares with production reaching 2 billion tons. Functionally, this
plant is raw materials to make various sugar products. It can sweeten some food
and beverages. In the tropical region, crops are the primary crops to make
sugar. Based on the country region, there are some countries with the biggest production of sugarcane. These countries are
Brazil, India, Thailand, China, Pakistan, Mexico, Guatemala, Australia,
Indonesia, and the United States of America.
15. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Potatoes are the next 15th most harvested crop.
Statistically, the harvested area of potatoes reaches 16.7 million hectares
with a production of all around the world reaching 383 million tons. Basically,
some people in the world know potatoes. Some products, namely French potato,
mashed potato, potato salad are the derivatives products of potatoes. Statistically, there are some countries which became the biggest producers of potatoes. These countries
are China, India, Russia, Ukraine, United States of America, Germany,
Bangladesh, France, Netherlands, Poland,
16. Cow peas (Vigna unguiculata)
Cowpeas is the next most harvested drop in 2023.
Statistically, the production of these crops reached 9.7 million tons with the
harvested area around the world being about 15.4 million hectares based on FAO
Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). Statistically, there are some
countries that have the biggest production of cowpeas. These countries are
Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Sudan, and
Tanzania.
17. Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)
Chickpeas is the 16th most
harvested crop based on the FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2023. In that
year, the harvested area of chickpeas reached 14 million hectares and
production reached 9.78 million tons. Statistically, there are some countries
with the biggest production of chickpeas. These countries are India, Turkey,
Russia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Ethiopia, the United States of America, Australia,
and Mexico.
18. Rubber, natural (Hevea brasiliensis)
Rubber plants are the 18th most harvested crop in
2023. Based on the FAO Statistical Corporate Database. The harvested area of
this species reaches 13.5 million hectares with the production of rubber
reaching 14.7 million tons. Some natural rubber becomes raw material to add the elasticity of their products. Tires, balloons,
plastics are some of the products that need rubber as the main raw materials.
Statistically, in 2023, there will be some
biggest producers of natural rubber. These countries are Thailand, Indonesia,
Vietnam, India, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, and
Cambodia
19. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L)
Sesame is the 19th most harvested
crop in 2023. Based on the FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2023. The
harvested area of sesame all over the world reaches 13 million hectares with
production reaching 6.7 million tons. Statistically, there are some of the
biggest producers of sesame seeds in the world. These countries are Sudan,
Myanmar, India, Tanzania, Nigeria, China, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and South
Sudan.
20. Coffee
Coffee is a perennial crop
that has many benefits in human life. Many people enjoy drinking coffee to
serve guests, accompany human’s work activities,
and refresh the body. Biologically, based on
cultivars, the most widely grown coffee plants consist of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora),
Liberika Coffee (Coffea Liberica),
and Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica). In 2023, the total area for coffee cultivation
reached 12.1 million hectares (ha) with a total production of 11 million tons.
The continents of Asia and America are the centers of world coffee cultivation.
Countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Columbia, and Honduras are some
of the largest coffee-producing countries in the world. More specifically,
Brazil produced 3.4 million tons of coffee, Vietnam with 1.95 million tons,
Indonesia with 760 thousand tons, Columbia with 680 thousand tons, and Ethiopia
with 559 thousand tons.
21. Cocoa (Theobroma cacao)
Cocoa plants or (Theobroma cacao) are the main raw material of chocolate in the
world. Many people know chocolate and it was the process of cocoa seeds/ beans. Based on the FAO Statistical
Database in 2023, the harvested area of cocoa plants reaches 11.6 million
hectares with production of cocoa beans reaching 5.6 million tons.
Statistically based on the FAO Database, there are some biggest producers of
cocoa beans in 2023. These countries are Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Indonesia,
Nigeria, Ecuador, Cameroon, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.
22. Coconut
Commonly, the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most useful trees in the tropical
areas and this tree is grown in more than 90 countries. Most of the parts of
trees, including the fruits, stems, and leaves can be processed into some
useful products to humans. Statistically, according to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the world’s production of Coconut fruits reached
64.6 million tons with area harvested reaching 11.2 million hectares.
23. Olive
The olive plant generated olive oil which is
useful oil and many people used it
as cooking oils. Basically, this oil offers a range of health, beauty, and
culinary applications. In 2023, global olive cultivation covered 11.1 million
hectares (ha), yielding a total production of 20.2 million tons. Major
producers include Spain, Turkiye, Italy, and Portugal. Specifically, Spain
produced 5.1 million tons, Italy 2.39 million tons, Türkiye 1.5 million tons,
and Portugal 1.1 million tons in 2023.
24. Yams
Yam is a widely consumed tuber crop globally,
especially in the African region. In 2023, the total cultivated area reached 10.6
million hectares, yielding approximately 89 million tons. That year, Nigeria,
Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin ranked among the top producers. Nigeria accounted
for 61 million tons of production, followed by Ghana with 10.3 million tons,
Ivory Coast with 7.9 million tons, and Benin with 3.3 million tons.
25. Sweet
potatoes
Sweet potato is a widely cultivated tuber crop
with significant global production. In 2023, the total area planted amounted to
7.5 million hectares, yielding approximately 93 million tons. The leading
producers include China, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania. That year, China
produced 51 million tons, Malawi 8 million tons, Nigeria 4 million tons, and
Tanzania 4.5 million tons.
26. Grapes
Grapes are shrub plants
and can be found in several regions. Historically, the vine came from
Armenia, but grape cultivation has spread across
the Middle East since 4000 BC. In plant taxonomy,
vines are included in the Kingdom: Plantae;
Division: Spermatophyta;
Subdivision: Angiosperms;
Class: Dicotyledonae;
Order: Rhamnales; Family: Vitaceae; Genus: Vitis; Species: Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca.
Functionally, grapes are widely used as wine
drinks, and a lot of wine is consumed directly in fresh air. Specifically, the
most cultivated grapes are Thompson
Seedless, Concord, Moon Drops, Crimson Seedless, Black Corinth, Sweet Jubilee,
Scuppernongs, Valiant, Cotton Candy, Autumn, Royal, Thomcord, Niagara, Flame
Seedles, and others. Based on data from FAO, the production of grapes
worldwide reaches 74 million tons with the world’s largest wine-producing
countries in 2023 namely China, Italy, United States, Spain, and France.
27. Mango and Guava
Mango and guava are widely cultivated in various
regions around the world and their fruits are highly valued by consumers.
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations, global production of mangoes and guavas reached 61 million tons
in 2023. Major country producers include India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and
Mexico.
Globally, notable mango cultivars include Alphonso, Kesar, Dasheri, Banganapalli,
Himsagar, Totapuri, Manalagi, Arumanis, Golek, among others. Similarly, prominent guava cultivars comprise
'Allahabad Safeda', 'Lucknow-49 (Sardar)', 'Banarsi', 'Apple Colour',
'Chittidar', 'Jambu Biji Merah', 'Jambu Biji Kristal', and 'Jambu Biji Bangkok'.
28. Banana
Banana (Musa
spp.) is also among the most widely consumed fruits globally. In 2023, the
total cultivated area was approximately 5.9 million hectares, yielding a total
production of 139 million tons. According to data from the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) for 2023, India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Ecuador are
among the leading banana-producing countries worldwide. India accounted for 36
million tons of production, while China produced 11 million, Indonesia with 9.3
million tons and Nigeria with 7.3 million tons.
29. Tomatoes
Tomatoes represent one of the most significant
horticultural crops, widely recognized for their use in sauce production. In
2023, global tomato output reached 192 million tons, cultivated at
approximately 5.4 million hectares (ha). Several countries serve as major
centers for tomato cultivation including China is the leader with an output of
70 million tons, followed by India at 20 million tons, Turkey at 13.3 million
tons, the United States at 12.3 million tons, and Egypt at 6.2 million tons.
Tomatoes are valued for their nutritional benefits and feature prominently in
diverse culinary traditions around the world.
30. Apples
Apple is among the most widely consumed fruits
globally. Originating from Central Asia—specifically Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, and Xinjiang, China—the species has since been cultivated in
various regions around the world. Apples thrive in cooler climates, making them
particularly suitable for temperate environments. Taxonomically, apple plants
are classified within the kingdom: Plantae, division: Magnoliophyta, class:
Magnolipsida, order: Rosales, family: Rosaceae, subfamily: Maloideae (also known
as *Spiraeoideae*), tribe: Maleae, genus: Malus, and the species: Malus
sylvestris.
Culturally, apples are primarily consumed fresh by
many individuals, although they are also commonly processed into products such
as apple chips and apple jam. Several widely cultivated apple varieties include
Red Delicious, Junagold, Honeycrisp,
Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, and Royal Gala. According to 2023 data from
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global apple production reached
97.3 million tons, with China, the United States, Türkiye, Poland, and India
identified as the leading producers.
31. Sugarbeet
Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is another
sugar-producing plant after sugar cane (Saccharum
officinarum). Sugar beet is usually grown in subtropical areas with cold
temperatures, but the invention of beet varieties makes this plant thrive in
tropical areas. Statistically, according
to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the world’s area harvested of
Sugarbeet reached 4,520,200 hectares (ha) with world’s total production of
sugarbeet achieving 281,194,638 tons in 2023.
The Summary 15 World’s Most Harvested Crops in 2023
Bibliography of 30 World’s Most Harvested Crops
FAOSTAT. 2025. Most produced commodities, World +
(Total) 2023. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize on May
8th, 2025.