The breadbasket or the granary of a country is a region which, because of richness of soil and/or advantageous climate, produces an agricultural surplus which is often considered vital for the country as a whole. Rice bowl is a similar term used in Southeast Asia. Such regions may be the subject of fierce political disputes which may even escalate into full military conflicts.

Sicily and Africa were considered the breadbaskets of the Roman Republic. Later on Egypt was considered the breadbasket of the Roman Empire.

The Chaouia plain south of Casablanca has historically been the breadbasket of Morocco thanks to its fertile soil called Tirs and relatively abundant rainfall (avg. 400 mm/year).

The Free State province is often considered the "Breadbasket" of South Africa due to its endless wheat, sunflower and maize fields.

The Overberg region in the Western Cape is also known as the "Breadbasket" of South Africa due to its large wheat fields, as well as fruit growing.

The Punjab and Haryana regions are considered the breadbasket of India. Andhra Pradesh is said to be the "rice bowl" for South India.