In this article, we will discuss the most cultivated crops in the world and discuss AI startups that are trying to increase the agriculture sector's efficiency. If you want to skip our analysis of big AgTech names, head straight to the 8 Most Grown Crops In The World.
The global agricultural sector intertwines a matrix of value chains that are influenced heavily by the most grown crops in the world. For instance, wheat is a staple food for 2.5 billion people while rice is a staple for 3.5 billion; both crops' demand is expected to increase by 50% and 35% by 2050, respectively. Similarly, the world's one-third population relies on maize (corn) as the primary food. Corn is pivotal for human consumption, and is also used as animal feed and has uses in the production of biofuels.
Companies like Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) play significant roles in the international wheat and rice trade. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) possesses a comprehensive grain elevator system in the US that captures a considerable proportion of the country's wheat production. These facilities store and aggregate wheat from farmers, which is then transported through the company's export facilities and processing plants to reach end customers. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is also equipped with storage facilities that receive corn and rice to ensure an uninterrupted supply for its processing plants.
The global agriculture industry, as of the last data, accounted for roughly 4% of the world's GDP, with millions depending on it for livelihood. As the world's population is projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, the demand for food will rise correspondingly. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that to feed the global population; agricultural production must increase by 60% from 2005 levels. Therefore, to meet this increasing demand, the agriculture sector is now turning to advanced technologies like transitioning from basic hand tools to large machinery and, more recently, to precision agriculture.
For example, Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) acquired Blue River Technology, an AgTech startup, by cognizing the potential of AI in agriculture. This acquisition equipped Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) with "See & Spray" technology which detects weeds among corn, cotton, and soybean plants. When mounted on a tractor, this system by Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) can accurately spray herbicides on weeds and avoid crops, thus reducing chemical use by up to 90%. The technology promises cost savings for farmers and addresses environmental concerns associated with excessive herbicide use.
Likewise, Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG), a global agribusiness and food company, has been keen on advancing the agriculture sector. To keep up with consumer demand, Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG) has entered into an agreement with Viterra Limited to create an innovative global agribusiness company that will be well-positioned to meet the demands of increasingly complex markets. The merger between Bungee Limited (NYSE:BG) and Viterra Limited will also better serve farmers and customers with an enhanced global network. The organizations will benefit from more diversified capabilities and operational flexibility across oilseed & grain supply chains.
FBN is also worth mentioning, an independent and unbiased network of farmers sharing data about their crops, inputs, and practices. AI then analyzes this information to provide members with insights into optimal farming practices and input pricing. The Climate Corporation, acquired by Monsanto, now part of Bayer AG, is another startup that provides digital tools to help farmers analyze weather data, soil health, and field data. The farmers' network can then share actionable insights and understand yield-limiting factors and change their farming practices accordingly.
According to AgFund, global investment in food tech and AgTech startups was $29.6 billion in 2022, and more startups are expected to systematize farming.
20 Most Grown Crops In The World
20 Most Grown Crops In The World
Our Methodology
To find the most cultivated crops in the world, we referred to the Food & Agriculture Organization Of The United Nations (UN FAO). We ranked the most grown crops based on their production quantity (ascending order) in the 2021/2022 crop year. Notably, we have slightly rounded the production quantity figures to simplify the data and have used the unit of million metric tons for these crops.
Based on our findings, here are the 20 most grown crops in the world:
20. Plantains
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 45.3 million tons
Plantains are starchier relatives of the banana and work as staple foods in many tropical regions. The crop is mostly grown in Africa, where it accounts for 32% of global production, and Uganda is its main producer. Their versatility extends beyond direct consumption, as plantains can be processed into flour, chips, and other value-added products.
19. Coconut
Production Quantity In The 2021/2022 Crop Year: 64 million tons
Asia is the dominant region for coconut production; namely, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India are its top producers. Coconut's uses are multiple as its liquid is a refreshing drink, its flesh is consumed raw or processed into oil, and the shell and husk have industrial applications. Coconut oil, in particular, has seen a surge in global demand due to its utility in cooking and cosmetics.
18. Sorghum
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 64.36 million tons
Sorghum is a resilient cereal grain grown in arid and semi-arid regions. As of current, Africa produces about 60% of the crop's global yield. Its drought-resistant properties make it a safe crop to ensure food security in challenging environments, and it is consumed as porridge, bread, and beverages. Beyond human consumption, sorghum serves as livestock feed and is increasingly being explored for biofuel production.
17. Yams
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 75.1 million tons
Yams are also mostly grown in West Africa, which accounts for over 90% of the crop's growth. Nigeria is the world's largest grower of yams and is responsible for more than 60% of its total yield. Yams are versatile in culinary applications as they are consumed as boiled, fried, roasted, or pounded into a popular dish called pounded yam.
16. Oranges
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 83 million tons
Oranges are among the most cultivated fruit crops worldwide, and Brazil is at the forefront of its production, followed by China and India. The majority of the global harvest caters to the juice industry, particularly in Brazil, where the export of orange juice concentrate is a big economic activity. Apart from being consumed fresh or as juice, oranges provide essential oils, peels, and other by-products used in the food and cosmetics industries.
15. Grapes
Production Quantity In The 2021/2022 Crop Year: 84 million tons
China, Italy, and the United States produce grapes, both table and wine varieties, owing to the crop's demand. The majority of the grape yield goes into winemaking, a sector with deep economic roots in regions like Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Napa Valley. Notably, wine exports contribute to the economies of France, Italy, and Spain. Beyond viniculture, grapes are consumed fresh, dried as raisins, or processed into juices and jams.
14. Seed Cotton
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 90 million tons
Seed cotton is the primary source of cotton lint and cottonseed oil. India, China, and the United States dominate in its production and cater to the global textile industry. Notably, China and the US are also among the largest exporters of fabric/garments, owing to their cotton seed yield. The crop's cultivation and processing employ millions, so its value chains extend from agriculture to apparel.
13. Onions
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 130 million tons
Onion is one of the most grown and consumed crops in the world. They are essential culinary ingredients and see significant cultivation in China, India, and the United States. Beyond the kitchen, onions have medicinal properties and are used in traditional remedies. The onion trade, owing to its vast production and consumption scales, influences its major exporting nations. Importantly, smart storage remains critical for onions as it impacts supply chains.
12. Sweet Potatoes
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 136 million tons
Sweet potatoes are nutritionally rich tubers that thrive in diverse climatic conditions. China is the biggest producer of sweet potatoes, which holds over 70% of the crop's production quantity. Besides direct consumption, sweet potatoes are processed into flour, snacks, and alcoholic beverages in certain cultures. The crop's resilience to challenging growing conditions makes it an attractive choice for regions where climate change is huge.
11. Bananas
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 137 million tons
Bananas are among the world's most exported fresh fruits, which flourish in tropical and subtropical zones. Ecuador, the Philippines, and Costa Rica are the biggest banana producers and exporters, while Europe and the US are major importers.
10. Apple
Production Quantity In The 2021/2022 Crop Year: 139 million tons
Apples are cherished for their taste and nutritional benefits and are mostly grown in China, the United States, and Poland. China alone contributes to nearly half of the world's apple production. The crop's significant portion goes into processing for juices, cider, and other value-added products. The apple trade represents a multi-billion-dollar industry, as branding and quality assurance play crucial roles in competitive markets.
9. Barley
Production Quantity In 2021/2022 Crop Year: 147 million tons
Barley is one of the most grown crops in the world. It's a major cultivation hubs are Russia, Australia, and Germany, and malt production is its biggest use. The crop's resilience to harsh climate conditions makes it suitable for animal feed. There's also a growing interest in barley for food products because of its health benefits and as a rotation crop for sustainable farming. The global barley market is closely tied to the dynamics of the beverage sector and livestock feed demands.
