Ethiopian Pulse Varieties
| Pulse | Main Growing Regions | Key Export Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Chickpeas (Desi & Kabuli) | Oromia, Amhara, SNNPR | India, Middle East, Europe |
| Red Lentils | Tigray, Amhara, Oromia | India, Canada, Middle East |
| Green Lentils | Amhara, Oromia | Europe, Middle East |
| Faba Beans (Broad Beans) | Amhara, Oromia, Tigray | Egypt, Middle East, Europe |
| Field Peas | Amhara, Oromia | India, Middle East |
| Mung Beans | Oromia, SNNPR | Asia, Middle East |
Quality Specifications
Ethiopian pulses are traded to international quality standards. Typical specifications for export-grade product:
Moisture content
Max 12–14% (varies by pulse)
Purity
Min 98–99.5% (grade dependent)
Foreign matter
Max 0.5–2% (grade dependent)
Admixture
Max 1–3% (grade dependent)
Broken/split
Max 2–5% (grade dependent)
Weevil damage
Nil to max 0.5%
Chickpeas: Desi vs Kabuli
Desi Chickpeas
- Small, dark, angular seeds
- Higher fiber content
- Used for dal, flour, snacks
- Main market: India, Middle East
- Lower price than Kabuli
Kabuli Chickpeas
- Large, round, cream-colored seeds
- Smooth seed coat
- Used for hummus, salads, whole cooked
- Main market: Middle East, Europe, North America
- Premium price
Fumigation Requirements
Most importing countries require fumigation of pulses before export to prevent pest introduction. Key points:
- Methyl bromide fumigation is the most widely accepted treatment, though it is being phased out in some markets.
- Phosphine (aluminum phosphide) fumigation is increasingly preferred as a methyl bromide alternative.
- Fumigation must be carried out by a licensed fumigation company and documented with a fumigation certificate.
- Some markets (EU, Australia) have specific requirements — confirm with your customs broker before shipment.
- Horn Gate coordinates fumigation through licensed service providers and provides the fumigation certificate with each shipment.
Packaging and Ordering
Standard packaging
25 kg or 50 kg PP woven bags with inner liner
Minimum order
1 x 20ft container (~20–25 MT depending on pulse)
Harvest season
October–February (main crop)
Departure port
Djibouti Port