In 2025, rice remains a cornerstone of global food security, feeding over half the world’s population, particularly in Asia. According to data from sources like the FAO and USDA, the top 10 rice-producing countries account for over 80% of global output, with China leading at 208.5 million tonnes. These nations leverage vast agricultural landscapes, advanced farming techniques, and favorable climates to sustain high yields. This article explores the top 10 rice-producing countries in 2025, their production volumes, and the factors driving their agricultural success.
1. China – 208,494,800 Tonnes
China dominates rice production in 2025, producing 208.5 million tonnes, accounting for nearly 30% of global output. With 30 million hectares of paddy fields, primarily in the Yangtze River Basin, China benefits from hybrid rice varieties yielding 8 tonnes per hectare. In 2025, government subsidies cover 60% of farming costs, and 95% mechanized farming boosts efficiency. China’s focus on sustainable irrigation and a 99% food security rate make it the world’s rice powerhouse in 2025.
2. India – 196,245,700 Tonnes
India ranks second in 2025, producing 196.2 million tonnes across 44 million hectares, mainly in Punjab and West Bengal. The country’s monsoon-dependent agriculture, supported by 70% irrigation coverage, yields 4.5 tonnes per hectare. In 2025, India’s 1.4 billion population drives domestic demand, while exports reach 20 million tonnes. Government programs like PM-KISAN provide $80 annually to farmers, enhancing productivity. India’s diverse rice varieties, like Basmati, solidify its global influence in 2025.
3. Bangladesh – 57,189,193 Tonnes
Bangladesh, third in 2025, produces 57.2 million tonnes on 11.8 million hectares, primarily in the Ganges Delta. With a yield of 5 tonnes per hectare, the country benefits from fertile soil and 80% irrigation coverage. In 2025, government subsidies for fertilizers and high-yield varieties boost output, feeding 170 million people. Despite flood risks, Bangladesh’s focus on climate-resilient crops ensures food security, making it a key rice producer in 2025.
4. Indonesia – 54,748,977 Tonnes
Indonesia ranks fourth in 2025, producing 54.7 million tonnes across 10.4 million hectares, mainly in Java. Yields of 5.3 tonnes per hectare are supported by 75% irrigation and government programs like Raskin, providing affordable rice to 15 million households. In 2025, Indonesia’s 280 million population drives demand, with 90% of rice consumed domestically. Investments in mechanized farming and flood-resistant seeds enhance Indonesia’s rice output in 2025.
5. Vietnam – 42,672,338 Tonnes
Vietnam, fifth in 2025, produces 42.7 million tonnes on 7.5 million hectares, primarily in the Mekong Delta, which accounts for 50% of output. Yields of 5.8 tonnes per hectare benefit from 85% irrigation and hybrid varieties. In 2025, Vietnam exports 7 million tonnes, earning $3 billion. Government support for sustainable farming and a low poverty rate (5%) ensure Vietnam’s role as a global rice leader in 2025.
6. Thailand – 34,317,028 Tonnes
Thailand ranks sixth in 2025, producing 34.3 million tonnes across 10 million hectares, with the Northeast region leading. Known for Jasmine rice, Thailand achieves yields of 3.4 tonnes per hectare, supported by 60% irrigation. In 2025, exports of 8 million tonnes generate $4 billion, per USDA data. Government initiatives for organic farming and a low unemployment rate (1%) make Thailand a reliable rice producer in 2025.
7. Myanmar – 24,680,200 Tonnes
Myanmar, seventh in 2025, produces 24.7 million tonnes on 7 million hectares, mainly in the Irrawaddy Delta. Yields of 3.5 tonnes per hectare are supported by 50% irrigation and traditional farming. In 2025, Myanmar’s 55 million population relies heavily on rice, with 70% of farmland dedicated to it. Despite infrastructure challenges, government reforms and export growth to China enhance Myanmar’s rice production in 2025.
8. Philippines – 19,756,392 Tonnes
The Philippines ranks eighth in 2025, producing 19.8 million tonnes across 4.8 million hectares, primarily in Luzon. Yields of 4.1 tonnes per hectare benefit from 65% irrigation and hybrid seeds. In 2025, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund supports 2 million farmers, boosting output. With 120 million residents, domestic demand is high, and new irrigation projects strengthen the Philippines’ rice sector in 2025.
9. Cambodia – 11,624,000 Tonnes
Cambodia, ninth in 2025, produces 11.6 million tonnes on 3.2 million hectares, mainly in the Tonle Sap region. Yields of 3.6 tonnes per hectare are driven by 55% irrigation and organic farming trends. In 2025, Cambodia exports 2 million tonnes, earning $1 billion. Government subsidies and a low poverty rate (10%) support smallholder farmers, making Cambodia a rising rice producer in 2025.
10. Pakistan – 10,983,081 Tonnes
Pakistan rounds out the list in 2025, producing 11 million tonnes across 3 million hectares, primarily in Punjab. Known for Basmati rice, yields of 3.7 tonnes per hectare benefit from 90% irrigation in the Indus Basin. In 2025, exports of 4 million tonnes generate $2 billion. Government investments in mechanization and a low unemployment rate (4%) ensure Pakistan’s role as a key rice producer in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Cambodia, and Pakistan lead global rice production, contributing 660.7 million tonnes to the world’s supply. With yields of 3.4–8 tonnes per hectare and irrigation coverage of 50%–90%, these nations drive food security for billions. From China’s hybrid varieties to Pakistan’s Basmati exports, their agricultural innovations and government support ensure robust rice output in 2025.
