Top Groundnut Producing Countries

Groundnut, also known as peanut (Arachis hypogaea), is a vital oilseed crop cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions. The top countries farming groundnut today are China, India, Nigeria, the United States, and Sudan. China leads global production, followed closely by India, both benefiting from large arable land areas and favorable climates. Nigeria and Sudan are the leading producers in Africa, where groundnut is both a staple food and a cash crop. The United States, particularly the states of Georgia, Texas, and Alabama, is a major producer and exporter, focusing on high-yield, disease-resistant varieties. Historically, groundnut originated in South America, where indigenous peoples domesticated the crop thousands of years ago. Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced groundnut to Africa, Europe, and Asia during the 16th and 17th centuries, where it adapted well and became integral to local agriculture. Its global spread was driven by its versatility as a food, oil, and fodder crop, as well as its ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat