Largest Producer of Brinjal: India grows more brinjal also known as eggplant or aubergine, than any other country in the world. With ideal growing conditions and strong demand across its diverse regional cuisines, India produces over 12.9 million tonnes of brinjal every year. The vegetable is cultivated across states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh and appears in dishes ranging from curries to stir-fries.
Which Country is the Most Significant Producer of Brinjal in the World?
India is the world’s top brinjal producer, with an annual yield of 12.9 million metric tonnes. Known locally as baingan, brinjal is grown in both summer and winter seasons across large parts of the country. The vegetable is deeply embedded in Indian cuisine and is often stuffed, mashed (as in baingan bharta), or fried.
How Much Brinjal Does India Produce?
India produces around 12.9 million tonnes of brinjal annually, accounting for roughly one-third of the global production. This makes it not just the largest producer but also one of the biggest consumers. Brinjal is sold in fresh markets, used in home cooking, and also processed into pickles, frozen vegetables, and ready-to-cook meals.
Top 5 Brinjal Producing Countries in the World
RankCountryAnnual Production (in Million Metric Tonnes)
Here is your data in a properly formatted table:
Rank | Country | Annual Production (in Million Metric Tonnes) |
---|---|---|
1 | India | 12.9 |
2 | China | 11.5 |
3 | Egypt | 1.3 |
4 | Turkey | 0.8 |
5 | Indonesia | 0.5 |
Note: These figures are based on the latest 2023–2024 data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Population Review.
1. India
India leads global brinjal production by a wide margin. The vegetable is cultivated in nearly every Indian state, but especially in the east and south. Farmers grow dozens of local varieties, including small round brinjals, long slender types, and purple-white hybrids. Brinjal is considered a nutritious, affordable, and essential part of everyday meals in India.
2. China
China follows closely behind with 11.5 million tonnes of annual brinjal production. In Chinese cuisine, eggplant is commonly stir-fried with garlic and sauces like soy and black bean. The country uses high-yield hybrid varieties and has a strong export market for Asian vegetables, including eggplant.
3. Egypt
Egypt produces around 1.3 million tonnes of brinjal each year. The vegetable is widely used in Middle Eastern dishes like baba ghanoush and fried eggplant salads. Brinjal thrives in Egypt’s warm climate and is grown primarily in the Nile Delta region.
4. Turkey
Turkey harvests approximately 0.8 million tonnes of brinjal annually. In Turkish cuisine, eggplant is featured in traditional dishes such as imam bayıldı (stuffed eggplant) and grilled patlıcan. The country’s production supports both domestic use and regional exports.
5. Indonesia
Indonesia produces about 0.5 million tonnes of brinjal each year. The vegetable is used in Indonesian curries, sambals, and stir-fries. Most of the cultivation happens on smallholder farms, and a variety of eggplants purple, green, and even white are grown.
Interesting Facts About Brinjal
1. It’s Technically a Fruit
Although used as a vegetable, brinjal is actually a fruit, a type of berry, botanically speaking.
2. Comes in Many Colors
Brinjals aren’t just purple, they can be green, white, yellow, or even striped, depending on the variety.
3. Ancient Origins in India
Historical records suggest brinjal was domesticated in India over 2,000 years ago and then spread to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Brinjal contains compounds like nasunin, which is found in the purple skin and has antioxidant properties that help protect cells.
5. Brinjal Has a GI Tag in India
Several regional varieties in India—such as the Vankaya of Andhra Pradesh and Solapur Brinjal of Maharashtra, have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags due to their unique traits.
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