Top Root and Tuber Producing Countries

Root and tuber crops—such as potatoes, cassava, sweet potatoes, and yams—are vital staples in many regions, with China, Nigeria, India, Indonesia, and Brazil ranking among the top producers globally. The cultivation of roots and tubers has ancient origins: archaeological evidence shows early humans in the Andes domesticating potatoes over 7,000 years ago, while yams and cassava were independently domesticated in West Africa and South America, respectively. These crops spread worldwide through trade and colonial expansion, with the potato, for example, dramatically transforming European agriculture and diets after its introduction from the Americas in the 16th century. Today, root and tuber crops remain crucial for food security, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, due to their adaptability to diverse environments and their role as calorie-rich staples.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat