Top Green Chili and Pepper Producing Countries

Green chili and pepper, both belonging to the Capsicum genus, are cultivated extensively across the globe, with India, China, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Mexico ranking as the top producers. The domestication of chili peppers originated in Central and South America over 6,000 years ago, where indigenous peoples first cultivated and selectively bred wild varieties for their pungency and flavor. Following the Columbian Exchange in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, chili peppers rapidly spread to Asia, Africa, and Europe, transforming regional cuisines and agricultural practices. India and China, in particular, embraced chili cultivation, integrating it deeply into their culinary traditions and agricultural systems. Today, India leads global production, especially of green chilies, due to its favorable climate, extensive agricultural land, and high domestic demand, while China follows closely with advanced farming techniques and large-scale operations. The global journey of chili and pepper farming reflects centuries of cultural exchange, adaptation, and innovation.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat