pea

" The pea is one of the oldest cultivated crops. Pea is among the four important cultivated legumes next to soybean, groundnut, and beans (Hulse, 1994). Total world dry pea production rose from 8.127 million metric tons in 1979-81 to 14.529 million metric tons in 1994 while acreage varied from 7.488 to 8.060 million hectares for the same years (FAO, 1994). Important production areas of the world include France, Russia, Ukraine, Denmark and United Kingdom in Europe; China and India in Asia; Canada and USA in North America; Chile in South America; Ethiopia in Africa, and Australia. About three quarters of the total world crop of the field pea variety is grown in China. In China, dry pea utilization is likely to expand, as it is gaining popularity in the noodle industry. It is predicted pea has a significant consumption growth potential. The most important import region for edible peas is Asia, China brings Asia’s export share to Asia to 52 percent (six year average). As the result of strong demand in overseas markets, China’s pulse exports have increased nearly 300 percent over the past six years. Japan, South Korea and South Africa are China’s key export markets."