Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Uganda's dried black gram sits inside the broader HS 071331 dried-shelled-bean line, where WITS recorded about US$27.5 million of exports versus US$5.5 million of imports in 2023. Imports were concentrated in Tanzania, while exports went mainly to Kenya and South Sudan, but black gram itself remains a niche smallholder pulse with ongoing NARO adaptation work at NaSARRI. Production and trade are shaped by a bimodal bean calendar, informal wholesale channels, and significant drying and storage discipline.
Market RoleNet exporter of the broader HS 071331 line, but black gram is a niche domestic smallholder pulse.
Domestic RoleHousehold pulse and local trader commodity.
Market GrowthMixed (medium-term)Niche black gram adoption is developing, but the broader bean trade remains informal and fragmented
SeasonalityMost bean-growing areas follow a bimodal calendar; first-season planting starts around March-April with June-July harvests, while second-season production extends roughly from August into November-December depending on region.
Specification
Primary VarietyBlack gram (Vigna mungo)
Physical Attributes- Small dark seeds
- Clean, dry, wholesome kernels
- Free from mould, insect damage, stones, and extraneous matter
Compositional Metrics- Drying to about 14% moisture for safe handling and storage
- Low pest-damaged and discoloured grain
- No abnormal odour or contamination
Grades- UNBS dry-bean quality benchmark
- Buyer grades based on moisture, cleanliness, and pest damage
Packaging- Bagged bulk sacks for wholesale trade
- Moisture-protective storage bags or liners
- Labelled retail packs with crop year and packaging date when value-added
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Smallholder farm -> drying and threshing -> cleaning and grading -> bagging -> trader aggregation -> warehouse or cross-border distribution
Temperature- No cold chain required, but the grain should stay cool and dry to avoid condensation
Atmosphere Control- Low humidity and ventilation are important to prevent mould and insect growth
Shelf Life- Properly dried grain can be stored for months; hermetic storage can keep quality for more than 12 months
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Logistics High2023 imports of the HS 071331 line were concentrated in Tanzania, so any disruption on the Tanzania corridor or border clearance can quickly cut off import supplementation and tighten supply.Maintain an alternate EAC sourcing option and pre-clear customs, phytosanitary, and UNBS documents before shipment.
Food Safety MediumDry black gram is vulnerable to moisture uptake, mould, and storage insects; poor drying or storage can trigger downgrade or rejection under Uganda standards.Dry to safe moisture, store hermetically or on pallets, and inspect for mould and pest damage.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPlant products entering Uganda are subject to MAAIF crop inspection and phytosanitary controls plus UNBS quality inspection, so missing paperwork or labelling can delay release.Align phytosanitary, origin, invoice, and packaging documents before shipment.
Market Volatility MediumBean prices in Uganda move seasonally with harvest availability; FAO reported bean prices falling after the first-season harvest in 2024, showing the market's sensitivity to crop timing.Use staggered procurement and stock buffers across the two harvest windows.
Climate MediumBimodal rainfall deficits or flooding can cut yields in key bean areas and weaken supply timing.Diversify sourcing across Uganda's growing regions and avoid relying on a single rainfall window.
Sustainability- Bimodal rainfall volatility can disrupt yields and harvest timing
- Post-harvest losses remain material because drying, threshing, cleaning, and storage are weak in fragmented smallholder chains
Labor & Social- Smallholder-dominant chain with strong women participation in weeding and harvesting and men more visible in land preparation and marketing
- Weak farmer organisations and informal trading reduce bargaining power
FAQ
Is Uganda mainly an exporter or importer of this bean line?For the broader HS 071331 line, Uganda exported more than it imported in 2023. Imports were concentrated in Tanzania, while exports went mainly to Kenya and South Sudan.
What quality issues matter most for dried black gram in Uganda?The grain has to be well dried, clean, and free from mould or pest damage. Uganda's dry-bean standard and extension guidance both stress moisture control and careful storage.
Which authorities handle clearance for plant products?MAAIF's crop inspection unit handles phytosanitary controls for plant products, and UNBS inspects imports for quality at the border.
Is black gram a major crop in Uganda?It is still a niche crop. NARO has tested black gram in Uganda at NaSARRI and other locations, but the broader bean trade is much larger than black gram alone.