Top Carrot and Turnip Producing Countries

Carrots and turnips, both ancient root crops, have been cultivated for thousands of years, with their origins tracing back to regions of Central Asia and the Mediterranean, respectively. Carrots were first domesticated in Persia (modern-day Iran and Afghanistan) around the 10th century, initially grown for their aromatic leaves and seeds rather than their roots, which were purple or yellow before the familiar orange variety was developed in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Turnips, on the other hand, have been grown since prehistoric times in temperate Europe and Asia, serving as a staple food for both humans and livestock. Today, China is by far the largest producer of carrots and turnips, accounting for over 45% of global production, followed by Uzbekistan, Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. These countries benefit from suitable climates, large areas of arable land, and advanced agricultural practices, making them global leaders in carrot and turnip farming.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat