People think that groundnut is some kind of nut, but that’s not true, instead, groundnuts/peanuts are categorized as legumes. But still, groundnuts aka peanuts are the most consumed nut in the world followed by almonds and walnuts. No matter whether you consume groundnuts raw, roasted, or in the form of peanut butter or peanut oil, it always tastes better. Nowadays, you can find a peanut butter jar in every household. Peanut butter is not just an insanely healthy food product, but it is quite versatile as well. There are literally dozens of ways you can consume peanut butter in multiple meals a day. Don’t you wanna know where these peanuts or groundnuts come from that huge food companies use to make peanut butter and other products?
Well, you may already know that China is the biggest producer of groundnuts in the world, but what about other countries on this list? Today we will be taking a look at the top 10 largest producers of groundnut in the world in 2022. In recent years, the total groundnut production in the world has surpassed the 54 million tonnes mark. Let’s talk about which countries contribute to the overall peanut or groundnut production of the world. Shall we?
Top Countries for Groundnut Production in World
1. China
China contributes around 38% to 40% of total groundnut production in the world. And it is highly unlikely that any other country will surpass China any soon. According to the previous year’s report on peanut production, China produced well over 18 million tonnes of groundnuts in just one year. The prime reason why China is producing the most amount of groundnuts every year is that the weather conditions are great there for the growth, and not just that, but the overall farming area for groundnuts is way bigger than in any other country on this list. And the production rate of peanuts is steadily but slowly increasing in China. Regions like Henan, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shandong, and a few others are the top producers in China.
2. India
Quite recently, India has surpassed the 10 million tonnes mark in terms of groundnut production. And this is how India holds the rank of the second largest groundnut producer in the world. But it is estimated that India’s peanut production may dip a little in the current financial year by a few percent. However, in order to surpass China, India has to go a long way, but still, the contribution of India is quite considerable to the overall peanut production in the world. Gujrat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are the biggest peanut-producing states in India. The climate in Gujarat and Rajasthan is perfect for the growth of groundnut crops. However, India is not just known as the 2nd largest peanut producer, but the quality and taste of peanuts produced in India are top-notch.
3. Nigeria
With a whopping 4.53 million tonnes of groundnut production, Nigeria holds the tag of 3rd largest groundnut producer in the world. It’s been quite a few years since Nigeria is holding the 3rd rank in “the largest producer of groundnut in the world” list. Benue, Niger, and Kudana are the most prominent regions in Nigeria that produce the most amount of groundnut in the country. The climate conditions are just perfect for the peanut crops, thus, Nigeria produces the highest quality groundnuts in the world. Not just the taste, but the overall size of the Nigerian groundnuts is a bit bigger than in some other countries. The growth of peanut production is quite steady, but slow, which helps Nigeria hold the 3rd rank when it comes to the most peanut production in the world.
4. The United States Of America
According to a statistical report from 2020, the USA produced around 2.8 million tonnes of groundnuts in just one financial year. However, it is estimated that in the year 2022, the USA will make a huge jump in terms of peanut production. Peanut production in the USA can go as high as 3.7 million tonnes quite easily. This huge production is pretty impressive and fulfilling for the higher demand for peanut oil and peanut butter in the USA. As you may already know, when it comes to the most peanut butter-consuming countries, the USA always tops the list because the demand for peanut butter in the USA’s market is much higher than in any other country. That’s the reason why the USA imports a considerable amount of groundnuts every year from other big producers.
5. Sudan
In the year 2020, Sudan alone produced well over 2.8 million tonnes of groundnut, which is an insane amount if you compare it with other countries on our list. The current financial year’s production data isn’t out yet, but it is estimated that Sudan can easily surpass the 3 million tonnes mark pretty easily this year. The growth in production is increasing by a few tonnes every year, and if the peanut production growth stays steady, it is possible that Sudan becomes the fourth largest groundnut producer in the world by pushing back the USA to the 5th spot.
6. Senegal
When you search for the largest producer of groundnut in the world list, you’d find many blogs and websites that haven’t even mentioned Senegal in their lists. But in reality, Senegal is contributing a considerable amount of groundnut to the overall groundnut production of the world. In recent years, Senegal passed the mark of 1.5 million tonnes of groundnut production, and according to some statistical reports, Senegal produced 1.87 million tonnes of peanuts last year. However, the acreage for groundnut production has decreased a little in the current year, that’s why it is possible the overall production may dip a little by a few percent.
7. Myanmar
If Senegal’s production rate continues to dip every year, then within a few years, Myanmar can take over the 6th rank in terms of the biggest producer of groundnut in the world. In 2018, Myanmar crossed the 1.5 million tonnes mark in terms of groundnut production. Since the growth of Mynamar’s production has been quite steady in the last few years, in 2021, the groundnut production in Myanmar was at its peak with 1.67 million tonnes in a year. In coming years, you may see the lower ranks change on this list pretty consistently because countries like Chad, Senegal, Myanmar, and Argentina don’t have a huge difference in terms of overall peanut production.
8. Chad
In the year 2020, Chad’s groundnut production was well below the 1 million tonnes mark, but since the acreage increased in 2021, there was a considerable increase in the overall production volume. Last year, Chad produced around 1.53 million tonnes of groundnuts in the year, most of which were exported to other countries. This year, the production difference won’t be that much, so you can expect Chad would be producing well over 1.5 million.
9. Argentina
With a whopping 1.3 million tonnes of groundnut production every year, Argentina is still on the list of the top 10 largest producers of groundnut in the world. However, it is hard to tell how long Argentina would hold this rank since last year the production decreased by 15%. The prime reason behind this is the decrease in the overall acreage for the peanut crops. It is estimated that in 2021-22, the groundnut production would be anywhere near 1 million tonnes, or may go below the 1 million tonnes mark.
10. Guinea
Guinea is known for its bauxite and iron ore production, but it isn’t very far behind in terms of groundnut production as well. When you see a list of the largest producers of groundnut in the world in 2018, you won’t find Guinea’s name on any list. It was the year 2020 when Guinea increased the acreage and production rate for peanuts, and as a result, in 2020-21, Guinea produced well over 1 million tonnes, or 1.07 million tonnes to be precise. From the looks of it, it is possible that Guinea ranks up in this list within a few years, since the production is increasing steadily every year.
Final Thoughts
Alright, now you know that there are other players other than China when it comes to groundnut production in the entire world. It seems quite impossible that any other country would surpass China’s production amount, but still, the contribution of other countries is pretty significant. And these are the 10 countries that are keeping up the production of peanut/groundnuts every year to fulfill the insane demand in the world.
Groundnut Production FAQs
Q. Where is groundnut commonly grown?
Ans: Groundnut is grown in various regions around the world, with major producers including China, India, Nigeria, and the United States. It thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil.
Q. What are the different varieties of groundnut?
Ans: There are several varieties of groundnut, and they can be classified based on factors such as seed size, shape, and color. Some popular varieties include Spanish, Valencia, Virginia, and Runner.
Q. What are the soil and climatic requirements for groundnut cultivation?
Ans: Groundnut thrives in well-drained sandy loam to loamy soils. It requires a warm climate and is sensitive to frost. The ideal temperature range for groundnut cultivation is 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Q. How is groundnut planted?
Ans: Groundnut is typically planted using seeds. The seeds are sown directly in the soil at a specific depth. The spacing between plants and rows depends on the variety and local farming practices.
Q. How is groundnut harvested?
Ans: Groundnut is usually ready for harvest about 100-150 days after planting, depending on the variety. The plants are uprooted, and the pods are left to dry in the field or harvested and dried separately.
Q. How is groundnut stored?
Ans: Proper storage is crucial to prevent spoilage. Groundnut should be stored in cool, dry conditions to avoid mold and aflatoxin contamination. Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture buildup.
Q. What are the challenges in groundnut production?
Ans: Challenges include susceptibility to diseases, pests, and environmental factors. Managing soil fertility, water availability, and selecting suitable varieties are essential for successful groundnut cultivation.
