World Map of the Most Cultivated Crop in each Country
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The most popular crops in the world vary by region and climate, but globally, staples like wheat, maize (corn), and rice and are among the most widely cultivated.
Top global grain harvested area by type (2021)
| Rank | Grain | Harvested area (in million hectares) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wheat | 220.76 |
| 2 | Corn | 205.87 |
| 3 | Rice, paddy | 165.25 |
| 4 | Barley | 48.94 |
| 5 | Sorghum | 40.93 |
| 6 | Millet | 30.93 |
| 7 | Oats | 9.56 |
| 8 | Rye | 4.33 |
| 9 | Triticale | 3.83 |
| 10 | Buckwheat | 1.99 |
| 11 | Fonio | 0.89 |
| 12 | Canary seed | 0.26 |
| 13 | Quinoa | 0.19 |
The world map below created by @BjnNowak shows the most cultivated crop by country.
More than half of cereals grown in the European Union are wheat. In other East European countries, such as Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, wheat also dominates as the most extensively cultivated crop by harvested area. The vast fields of wheat contribute significantly to European agriculture, playing a crucial role in the production of bread and various other food products. The adaptability of wheat to diverse climates across the continent makes it a staple in European farming practices.
In both the United States and numerous South American countries, soybeans dominate as the crop occupying the largest amount of agricultural land. This widespread cultivation reflects the economic importance of soybeans, which serve as a major source of protein for both human consumption and livestock feed. The vast soybean plantations in these regions contribute significantly to global soybean production, supporting various industries and playing a key role in the agricultural economies of the Americas.
In many Asian countries, including India and Southeast Asia, rice is the primary crop. The extensive paddy fields in these regions highlight the cultural, dietary, and economic significance of rice. As a staple food, rice plays a central role in Asian cuisines and is integral to the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the continent.
Turning to Africa, millet and barley take the lead in many Central African countries. The resilience of millet and barley in harsh conditions makes it a vital crop for food security in these areas.
The largest area of agricultural land in South African countries is occupied by maize. In addition to being a major source of food, maize is also used as animal feed and as a base for fermented goods like the traditional drink mahewu in nations like South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
These regional variations in the most cultivated crops reflect the diverse climates, agricultural practices, and dietary preferences across different parts of the world. The choice of crops is influenced by factors such as climate suitability, soil conditions, and cultural traditions, shaping the agricultural landscapes unique to each region.
Rice prefers monsoon-fed paddies, wheat and barley grow well in temperate climates, and soybeans profit from extensive mechanization and export markets.
Cultural customs also come into play. For instance, despite not being a staple food worldwide, teff is grown extensively in Ethiopia because it is used in the traditional flatbread injera.
