Top Buckwheat Producing Countries

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is primarily cultivated in Russia, China, and Ukraine, which together account for the vast majority of global production. The crop’s origins trace back to Southeast Asia, particularly the Yunnan region of China, where it was first domesticated around 5,000–6,000 years ago. From there, buckwheat spread along ancient trade routes to Central Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe, reaching Eastern Europe by the Middle Ages. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and short growing seasons made it particularly popular in Russia and Eastern Europe, where it became a staple food. Today, Russia leads global production, followed by China and Ukraine, with smaller amounts grown in countries like Poland, the United States, and Japan, where it is valued for traditional dishes such as soba noodles. Buckwheat’s resilience and nutritional value continue to make it an important crop in diverse agricultural systems worldwide.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat