Top Banana Producing Countries – 2025 Rankings

Bananas are one of the most popular and widely consumed fruits globally, offering a nutritious source of energy and essential vitamins. As a staple food in many tropical and subtropical regions, bananas play a crucial role in food security and economic stability. The global production of bananas has seen a steady increase over the years, with several countries leading the charge in cultivating this vital crop. Here, we will explore the top countries with the highest banana production, list of all banana producing countries, top plantain and cooking banana producing countries and examine the trends in banana production over the years, highlighting the factors contributing to its growth.

Top Countries with Most Banana Production

• India: India stands as the world’s largest producer of bananas, contributing significantly to the global supply. In 2022, India produced approximately 34,528,000 tonnes of bananas. The country’s favorable climate, fertile soil, and advanced agricultural practices have enabled it to achieve this remarkable production level. States like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat are major banana-growing regions, where both small-scale and commercial farming operations thrive. The diverse varieties of bananas grown in India cater to both domestic consumption and export markets, making it a critical player in the global banana industry.

• China: China follows India as a major banana producer, with an impressive output of 12,111,644 tonnes in 2022. The southern regions of China, particularly Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces, are ideal for banana cultivation due to their warm climate and abundant rainfall. China’s government has invested heavily in modern agricultural techniques and infrastructure, boosting productivity and ensuring a steady supply of bananas for its vast population. Despite challenges such as plant diseases and environmental factors, China continues to maintain its position as a top banana producer.

• Indonesia: Indonesia ranks third in banana production, with a total output of 9,245,427 tonnes in 2022. The country’s tropical climate, rich volcanic soil, and extensive agricultural land make it an ideal location for banana farming. Bananas are a staple food in Indonesia, and their cultivation is deeply embedded in the country’s agricultural traditions. Smallholder farmers dominate the banana industry, and the government has implemented various programs to support and enhance their productivity. The diverse banana varieties grown in Indonesia, such as Pisang Raja and Pisang Ambon, are highly valued both locally and internationally.

• Nigeria: Nigeria is the leading banana producer in Africa, with an annual production of 8,019,203 tonnes. The country’s favorable agro-climatic conditions, particularly in the southern regions, support extensive banana cultivation. Bananas are a vital food source in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the diets of millions of people. The Nigerian government has recognized the importance of bananas in food security and has launched initiatives to improve farming practices, combat diseases, and increase yields. Despite facing challenges such as poor infrastructure and limited access to modern technology, Nigeria continues to enhance its banana production capabilities.

• Brazil: Brazil, one of the largest countries in South America, produced 6,854,222 tonnes of bananas in 2022. The northeastern states of Bahia and Pernambuco, along with the southeastern state of São Paulo, are major banana-producing regions. Brazil’s banana industry benefits from the country’s diverse climate, allowing for year-round cultivation in different regions. The government and private sector have invested in research and development to improve banana varieties, pest control, and post-harvest management. Brazil’s banana production supports both domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to the national economy.

List of Banana Producing Countries

Top 10 Countries with largest banana Production:

1. India – 34,528,000 tonnes
2. China – 12,111,644 tonnes
3. Indonesia – 9,245,427 tonnes
4. Nigeria – 8,019,203 tonnes
5. Brazil – 6,854,222 tonnes
6. Ecuador – 6,078,789 tonnes
7. Philippines – 5,899,705 tonnes
8. Guatemala – 4,762,667 tonnes
9. Angola – 4,589,099 tonnes
10. Tanzania – 3,500,880 tonnes

Top 10 Countries with largest banana Production per capita:

1. Dominica – 0.16 tonnes per capita
2. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 0.54 tonnes per capita
3. Belize – 0.21 tonnes per capita
4. Costa Rica – 0.48 tonnes per capita
5. Ecuador – 0.33 tonnes per capita
6. Guatemala – 0.24 tonnes per capita
7. Panama – 0.09 tonnes per capita
8. Papua New Guinea – 0.11 tonnes per capita
9. Rwanda – 0.16 tonnes per capita
10. Philippines – 0.05 tonnes per capita

The countries on this list illustrate the significant role bananas play in their agricultural sectors and economies. Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines lead the way, reflecting their strong emphasis on banana cultivation. Costa Rica and Ecuador, major exporters, showcase efficient agricultural practices. In Rwanda and Papua New Guinea, favorable climates enhance production. Despite varying scales of production, these nations highlight how banana cultivation can thrive under different conditions and contribute substantially to their economies.

Banana Production Over the Years

Banana production has seen a remarkable increase from 1961 to 2022. In 1961, the global production of bananas was approximately 22.4 million tonnes. Over the decades, this figure has grown substantially, reaching over 135 million tonnes by 2022. The line graph depicting banana production from 1961 to 2022 shows a steady upward trend, reflecting the continuous rise in banana output over the years. This growth is attributed to several factors:

• Development of High-Yielding and Disease-Resistant Varieties: Research and breeding of banana cultivars that can withstand diseases such as Panama disease and Black Sigatoka have significantly boosted production.
• Modern Farming Techniques: Precision agriculture, advanced irrigation systems, and integrated pest management have enhanced efficiency and productivity in banana farming.
• Global Trade: The establishment of robust export markets has provided economic incentives for farmers, leading to increased production.
• Rising Global Demand: The growing population and increasing awareness of bananas as a nutritious food choice have driven higher consumption, encouraging more production to meet this demand.

Plantain and Cooking Banana Production by Country

Plantains and cooking bananas are starchy varieties of bananas primarily used in cooking rather than eaten raw. Unlike the sweet bananas often consumed as a fruit, plantains and cooking bananas are firmer and less sweet, making them ideal for frying, boiling, or baking. They are a staple food in many tropical regions, providing a vital source of carbohydrates and nutrition.

In FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) classifications, “banana” and “plantain and cooking banana” are typically treated as separate categories. This distinction is made because they have different uses, nutritional profiles, and cultivation practices. Here is the top 10 countries with highest production of plantain and cooking bananas:

1. Uganda – 10,440,849 tonnes
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 4,887,511 tonnes
3. Ghana – 4,819,199 tonnes
4. Cameroon – 4,660,387 tonnes
5. Philippines – 3,113,584 tonnes
6. Colombia – 2,478,699 tonnes
7. Côte d’Ivoire – 2,113,309 tonnes
8. Sri Lanka – 1,529,919 tonnes
9. Myanmar – 1,281,598 tonnes
10. Dominican Republic – 1,151,333 tonnes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which country produces the most bananas in the world?
   • India produces the most bananas in the world, with an annual production of approximately 34.5 million tonnes.
2. What are the top banana-producing countries?
   • The top banana-producing countries are India, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Brazil.
3. What is the global banana production quantity?
   • The global banana production quantity is over 135 million tonnes as of 2022.

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Source

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations