Peanut Production by Country 2024

In 2021, worldwide peanut production reached 53.6 million tons. Here is a list of the 10 top peanut producing countries.

1. China

China accounted for the largest share of peanut production in 2021. It produced 18.4 million tons, nearly one-third of the world’s total production, and most of the nuts were sourced from Henan, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Shandong provinces.

2. India

The country produces 10.2 million tons of peanuts annually, making up about 21% of the world’s total production. It’s the second-highest producer of peanuts in the world. In India, the crop is planted in two cycles in areas with hot and subtropical climates like Orissa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu produce 15% of India’s total peanut production, while Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh produce 24% and 28%, respectively. The nuts are produced in different varieties, including Red Natal, Spanish, and Bold. India exports most of its nuts to Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia before selling them to the rest of the world.

3. Nigeria

Nigeria is the world's third-largest producer of peanuts, accounting for 30% of Africa’s peanut production. Most of its plantations are located in the dry areas of the country. They include Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kwara, and Zamfara.

4. United States

The United States of America produced about 2.9 million tons of peanuts in 2021. Only 13 states cultivate groundnuts thanks to their favorable climates. They include Alabama, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, to mention a few. Alabama has the highest production nationwide, with nearly 185,000 acres of peanut plantations.

5. Sudan

In 2021, Sudan produced approximately 2.4 million tons of peanuts, placing it fifth on the list of the world's largest peanut producers. Peanuts are a crucial crop for Sudan's agriculture, thriving thanks to the country's favorable climate and vast arable land. Key peanut-growing regions include Kordofan, Darfur, and Gedaref, where the majority of the country's production takes place.

6. Senegal

Senegal is another great peanut producer in the world at 1.7 million tons. The country has just the right conditions for groundnut production, making large companies set up large peanut businesses. Senegal mainly exports most of its produce to China.

7. Myanmar

The country ranks as the seventh largest producer of peanuts, despite its political and economic instability. It produces about 1.6 million tons of peanuts annually, making peanut production a huge source of income for the country.

8. Argentina

The country is famous for producing high-quality groundnuts often referred to as Golden peanuts. It has more than 35,000 hectares of land which produce around 1.3 million tons of peanuts. Renowned peanut-production companies like Olega, Olam Argentina, and Sol Argentina are based here and have expanded their operations over the years due to the high-quality peanuts grown here.

9. Guinea

In 2021, Guinea produced approximately 907 thousand tons of peanuts, solidifying its place as a significant producer in West Africa. Peanuts are an essential crop for Guinea, in terms of both food security and the local economy. Regions like Boké and Labé, with their favorable climates, provide ideal conditions for peanut cultivation. Peanuts in Guinea are mostly grown by smallholder farmers and play a crucial role as a source of food, income, and employment.

10. Chad

Rounding out the list, Chad also grows peanuts on a large scale, at 798 thousand tons in 2021. In fact, peanuts are the country’s main source of income and make up the country’s agricultural foundation. Most of the produce is exported to other countries through international trade routes.

Honorable Mentions

12. Indonesia

Indonesia adds to the top peanut-producing countries in Asia, producing about 760 thousand tons annually and making up about 1.4% of the world’s peanut production. Peanuts are widely used to produce peanut oil exported to other countries.

18. Ghana

At 354 thousand tons annually, Ghana adds to the few West African countries known for growing peanuts. Peanut is the country's main cash crop, with most farmers earning a livelihood by farming groundnuts. The northern region of Ghana is most suitable for growing peanuts as it’s warm and temperate.