10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peanuts

10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peanuts / Groundnuts

10 World’s Biggest Groundnut Producers- According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2026, there are 10 World’s Biggest Groundnut Producers in 2024. These producers have huge production of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). Taxonomically, this species can be included into Order: Fabales; Family: Fabaceae; Subfamily: Faboideae; Genus: Arachis; Species: A. hypogea. Because of this classification especially into fabaceae family, groundnut plant (Arachis hypogaea) has the close relationship with Glycine max (soybean), Phaseolus (beans), Pisum sativum (pea), Cicer arietinum (chickpeas), Vicia faba (broad bean), and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Functionally, Groundnut has a large amount of protein so many people want to cultivate these plants. Meanwhile, this plant is resistant to drought conditions. With these conditions, this species can be cultivated in the rainfed agroecosystem.

Historically, the crop originated in South America and travelled the globe via European explorers and the slave trade until it becomes one of the world’s most cultivated crops. Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2026, the cultivations of groundnut (arachis hypogea) have spread across some regions and nations. Statistical indicators of the world's area harvested, world’s production, and yield of peanuts increased gradually from time to time along with the increasing human demands for peanuts and its various derivative products. The world's area harvested of peanuts in the years of 1961 was just 16.6 million hectares (ha) with world's production of peanuts just 14.1 million tons. After more than 60 years, precisely in 2026, the world's production of peanuts has increased to 57.5 million tons with an area harvested of around 31.1 million hectares (ha). Furthermore, the yield of peanuts also increased from 0.85 tons/ha (t/ha) in 1961 to 1.85 tons/ha in 2024, showing the improvement of agricultural cultivation and genetic breeding of peanuts.

The Statistical Table Rank of World’s Area Harvested, Production, and Yield of Peanuts from 1961 to 2024

Years	World's Area Harvested of Peanuts	World's Production of Peanuts	Yield of Peanuts
Years	(Hectare)	(Tons)	(Tons/ Hectare (T/ha))
1961	16,641,343	14,134,052	0.85
1962	17,504,141	15,097,797	0.86
1963	17,974,044	15,879,053	0.88
1964	18,856,845	16,629,190	0.88
1965	19,768,918	15,831,587	0.80
1966	19,610,096	16,306,244	0.83
1967	19,913,441	17,468,561	0.88
1968	19,183,406	16,024,094	0.84
1969	18,986,240	16,626,235	0.88
1970	19,491,094	17,973,404	0.92
1971	20,336,106	18,897,229	0.93
1972	20,155,005	16,366,940	0.81
1973	19,751,873	17,252,562	0.87
1974	19,892,273	18,789,493	0.94
1975	19,999,114	19,118,177	0.96
1976	18,761,786	17,002,185	0.91
1977	18,561,192	17,681,164	0.95
1978	19,029,340	18,473,206	0.97
1979	18,522,761	18,102,378	0.98
1980	18,364,243	16,891,257	0.92
1981	19,363,810	20,584,511	1.06
1982	18,430,174	18,066,535	0.98
1983	18,485,340	19,118,318	1.03
1984	18,171,013	19,926,792	1.10
1985	18,476,671	20,946,671	1.13
1986	19,071,983	21,503,814	1.13
1987	18,802,094	21,638,337	1.15
1988	20,537,182	25,603,990	1.25
1989	20,318,604	23,110,376	1.14
1990	19,751,585	23,087,546	1.17
1991	20,596,078	23,908,180	1.16
1992	20,704,364	24,695,769	1.19
1993	20,978,106	25,839,207	1.23
1994	22,090,424	28,859,801	1.31
1995	22,270,908	29,161,010	1.31
1996	22,181,255	30,177,539	1.36
1997	22,464,670	29,248,041	1.30
1998	22,714,658	33,223,177	1.46
1999	23,236,394	32,540,059	1.40
2000	23,406,897	34,669,145	1.48
2001	23,158,750	35,913,572	1.55
2002	22,961,485	33,296,415	1.45
2003	22,701,137	35,994,147	1.59
2004	23,518,854	36,165,402	1.54
2005	23,977,504	38,372,219	1.60
2006	21,726,450	33,529,313	1.54
2007	22,599,736	37,245,944	1.65
2008	24,345,065	39,010,197	1.60
2009	24,155,385	37,316,081	1.54
2010	26,134,759	43,734,100	1.67
2011	25,001,787	41,114,120	1.64
2012	25,697,657	42,969,049	1.67
2013	27,190,820	47,160,752	1.73
2014	27,521,534	46,462,453	1.69
2015	26,538,499	45,286,151	1.71
2016	28,389,974	46,344,647	1.63
2017	28,886,694	50,286,234	1.74
2018	29,808,722	49,630,336	1.66
2019	29,601,260	52,362,494	1.77
2020	31,273,420	54,618,173	1.75
2021	32,454,255	54,593,807	1.68
2022	30,502,523	55,239,737	1.81
2023	30,577,780	54,922,028	1.80
2024	31,160,155	57,563,381	1.85
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

The Scientific Name of Peanuts/ Groundnuts - Arachis hipogea

Specifically, based on the continent regions, the productions of groundnut or peanuts are distributed into several regions. Asia continent or region still becomes the main production area with production around 35 million tons followed by Africa with 16.9 million tons. Americas become the third biggest regions with output production reaching 5.5 million tons in 2024. Lastly, Oceania has minor production with output around 20 thousand tons.

The World’s Production of Peanuts Based on the Continental Regions in 2024

Continental Region	Production of Peanuts or Groundnuts in 2024
Continental Region	(Tons)
Africa	16,999,283
Americas	5,522,104
Asia	35,021,875
Oceania	20,119
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

Based on the Countries’ rank of groundnut or peanuts production, there are 10 World’s Biggest Production of Groundnuts or Peanuts in 2024. These data were obtained from FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2026 and that is the rank of the 10 biggest country producers of groundnuts or peanuts.

The Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Groundnut or Peanuts in 2024

Rank	Country	Production of Peanuts / Groundnuts in 2024
Rank	Country	(Tons)
1	China, mainland	19,613,100
2	India	11,945,539
3	Nigeria	4,300,000
4	United States of America	2,924,770
5	Myanmar	1,721,626
6	Sudan	1,683,800
7	Senegal	1,681,953
8	Argentina	1,482,827
9	Guinea	1,000,000
10	Brazil	806,064
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

The Brief Description of World’s Biggest Country Producers of Groundnuts or Peanuts

1. China

China become the biggest country producer of peanuts or groundnuts in 2024 and contribute around 40% of world's peanuts production. According to the FAO Statistical Database in 2026, the production of groundnut from Panda country reached 19.6 million tons in 2024. Geographically, in this country, there are some specific areas that become the main production of groundnuts in China. These areas include Henan, Shandong, Guangdong, Liaoning, Hebei, Jilin, Sichuan, and Anhui. In terms of genetic aspects, some cultivars or varieties of peanuts of groundnuts planted in China are Hsuji Type, Virginia Type, Valencia Type and Ji You 4. Culturally, the harvesting time of peanuts or groundnuts occurs from September to October. Functionally, the harvested peanuts in China are processed into peanut oil (around 60-70% of peanut output), and just around 35-40% is processed into edible consumption (snacks).

2. India

India is the 2^nd world’s biggest country producer of peanuts or groundnuts in 2024 and a leading global exporter of peanuts. According to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2026, the production of Groundnut from India reached 11.9 million tons. Geographically, in India, there are many regions of groundnut cultivation. These states include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Of all states, Gujarat still becomes Gujarat the largest region of peanuts contributing around 40–50% of India's peanuts production. Related to climatic conditions and the cultural aspects, the cultivation of peanuts occurs in twice a year especially in the Kharif (Monsoon Crop), sowing in June–July and harvesting in October–November and Rabi (Winter Crop), sowing in October–November and harvesting in March–April. Functionally, most of the harvested peanuts in India are processed into Groundnut Oil (Kadalai Ennai / Sing Tel).

3. Nigeria

Nigeria is the third biggest producer of Groundnut in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2026 (FAOSTAT), the production of groundnut or peanuts from Nigeria reached 4,300,000 million tons. Geographically, there are some regions in Nigeria that have huge production of groundnut. These areas are Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, and Bauchi. In terms of climatic conditions, the planting season of peanuts occurs at the start of the rains (May/June), and the harvesting time is in October/November. In Nigeria, the harvested peanuts or groundnuts are processed into the ingredients of many Nigerian dishes including Kuli-Kuli, Groundnut Soup (Miyan Geda / Omisagwe), Suya Spice (Yaji) and sometimes it can be consumed as Boiled Groundnuts.

4. United States of America

The United States of America (USA) is the fourth biggest producer of groundnut in 2024. Furthermore, the USA also became one of the biggest exporters of peanuts with destination markets around Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, the production of groundnut from Abraham Lincoln’s country reached 2.92 million tons in 2024. Geographically, there are main regions in the USA that have huge contributions to National production. Statistically, Georgia is the main region of USA National groundnut production followed by Florida, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In terms of genetic aspects, in the United States of America (USA), there are some popular varieties of groundnuts or peanuts, and these popular varieties are Runner, Virginia, Spanish, Valencia. Overall, around 60% of the total harvested of peanuts in the United States of America is used to Usage peanut butter.

5. Myanmar

Myanmar is the next biggest country producer of groundnuts or peanuts from the Asian region. This country can produce around 1.72 million tons of groundnut or peanuts in 2024. Geographically, the peanuts in Myanmar are grown in the Magway, Mandalay, and Sagaing regions with some popular varieties of groundnuts including Sinpadetha and SP-121. In Myanmar, groundnut is not only used as a source of edible oil but can be consumed directly. In addition, some harvested groundnuts can be processed into snacks and confectionery.

6. Sudan

Sudan is the next biggest producer of groundnut in 2024. Statistically, the production of Groundnut from this country reached 1.68 million tons in 2024. Geographically, some growing areas of peanuts or groundnuts in Sudan are located in Gezira, New Halfa, Darfur, and Kordofan. In terms of genetic aspects, there are some popular of peanuts varieties grown in Sudan including Ashford, Barberton, and Sodani. Culturally in Sudan, peanuts are one of the most important crops after sorghum/wheat and the peanuts of Sudan can be processed in making some Sudanese dishes Dakwa (Sudanese Peanut Butter), Salata Dakwa, Ful Sudani.

7. Senegal

Senegal is the sixth biggest producer of groundnut in 2024. Statistically, the production of Groundnut from Senegal in 2024 reached 1.68 million tons. Senegal has a “groundnut basin. Groundnut basin is the central part of cultivation of groundnut in Senegal, including the regions of Kaolack, Fatick, Diourbel, Thies, and Louga. Culturally, in Senegal, the harvested peanuts are usually processed as the ingredients in making some Senegal cuisine including Mafe (Maffé), Thiaf, Ngalakh.

8. Argentina

Argentina is the eighth biggest country producer of groundnut in 2024. Statistically, the production of Groundnut in 2024 reached 1.48 million tons. Geographically, the main production of Groundnut from Argentina is concentrated in the provinces of Córdoba, La Pampa, San Luis, and Buenos Aires. Of all provinces in Argentina, over 90% of Argentina's peanuts are grown in the province of Córdoba. In terms of climatic conditions, the planting of peanuts in Argentina usually occurs from October to December (Spring) until the harvesting time happens in the month of April to May (Autumn). Functionally, rather than fulfilling the domestic consumption, nearly 90% of the harvested peanuts from Argentina are exported to European nations.

9. Guinea

Guinea is the ninth biggest producer of Groundnut in 2024. Statistically, the production of Groundnut in 2024 reached 1 million tons. In Guinea, Groundnut has become one of the main crops in Sudan and this country still exports the oil of nuts to other countries. Geographically, in Guinea, the cultivation areas of Peanut are located mainly in the Moyenne-Guinée (Fouta Djallon) and Haute-Guinée (Upper Guinea) with some popular peanuts varieties including Fleur 11, AK-10, Diakhaba (local) variety. In Guinea, the harvested peanuts also can be processed in the making of some dishes and snacks including Soupou Tigué (Peanut Soup), Kansiyé, Arachide Grillée, Nougats.

10. Brazil

Statistically, the production of groundnuts or peanuts from Brazil reached 806 thousand tons in 2024. Geographically, Sao Paolo still becomes the main growing region of Peanuts in Brazil, contributing around 90% of Brazil's peanuts output. In terms of genetic aspects, some of the peanut’s varieties are IAC 503 and IAC OL. Related to climatic conditions, the cultivation of groundnuts in Brazil started in September to November (Spring) and harvesting time happens in January to April (Summer/Early Autumn).

The Table Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peanuts or Groundnuts in 2024