Top Watermelon Producing Countries

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a widely cultivated fruit, with China leading as the world’s top producer by a significant margin—accounting for over two-thirds of global production. Other major watermelon-farming countries include Turkey, India, Iran, Brazil, and the United States. The history of watermelon cultivation traces back to Africa, where wild ancestors of the fruit were first domesticated in the Nile Valley as early as 4000 BCE. Watermelon spread northward through the Mediterranean and into Europe by the 10th century CE, and later reached the Americas with African slaves and European colonists. Over centuries, selective breeding improved its sweetness, size, and flesh color. Today, watermelon farming thrives in warm climates with ample sunshine and well-drained soils, making it a staple summer crop in many parts of the world.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat