Green gram extends lead as fastest-growing export pulse

Green grams at a cereal store in Bargain Market in Nakuru Town on August 20, 2024.

Green gram exports grew sharply in the quarter to March 2026, consolidating a run as Kenya’s fastest-rising pulse product sold abroad and pointing to an opportunity for local farmers.

Analysis of new data by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) shows that green gram exports increased from 355.82 tonnes to 6,233.20 tonnes in the quarter to March 2026, fetching Sh835.52 million, mainly from markets in Africa and Asia.

Hong Kong and Thailand were the leading markets for Kenya’s green grams in the quarter to March, accounting for 22.33 per cent and 20.37 per cent of the total export volume, respectively.

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“Other significant destinations included South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore and Indonesia, representing 12.93 per cent, 10.66 per cent, 9.45 per cent, 7.70 per cent, 5.61 per cent and 4.01 per cent respectively,” the regulator said.

“Smaller consignments were directed to India, the Netherlands, South Africa, Qatar and the United Kingdom, each contributing less than three per cent of total exports”

According to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, green grams (locally known as ndengu) are primarily produced in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya, with about 90 per cent of the country's production concentrated in the Eastern region, led by Kitui, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, and Machakos counties.

The performance of green gram exports in the quarter to March 2026 extended a fairytale run from 2025.

For instance, in the quarter to September 2025, green gram exports more than doubled, surging from 5,519.55 tonnes to 13,241.49 tonnes with the primary markets in Thailand (37.98 per cent), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (20.60 per cent), and Indonesia (20.28 per cent).

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In the quarter to September, Thailand bought 5,029 tonnes of green gram from Kenya worth Sh554.79 million, while the UAE purchased 2,728 tonnes of the commodity worth Sh282.45 million. Indonesia was also a big buyer of Kenya’s green grams in the quarter to September 2025, with 2,685tonnes worth Sh295.30million bought.

AFA data further shows that in the quarter to March 2026, Kenya’s pigeon peas exports accumulated to 6,741.34 tonnes valued at Sh 645.35 million, with trade moderately concentrated among a few international markets.

“India was retained as the principal destination, accounting for 71.57 per cent of the total volume at 4,825 tonnes valued at Sh460.74 million. The United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Cape Verde are representing 1,165 tonnes valued at Sh109.59 million, 601.34 tonnes valued at Sh61.60 million and 150 tonnes valued at Sh13.43 million, respectively,” the regulator said.

During the quarter to March 2026, cowpea exports amounted to 908tonnes valued at Sh91.84 million, with India serving as the sole destination, accounting for 100 per cent of total export volume.

“This exclusive trade flow highlights India’s position as the only market for Kenyan cowpeas during the quarter,” AFA said.

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Farmers staring at losses after India shuts door to ‘ndengu’

Farmers in Ukambani had staked their hopes on selling their crop in India, until Modi stopped imports of green gram.