The Centre has taken a significant initiative to make pulses accessible to consumers by launching subsidised Chana dal under the brand name Bharat Dal. The aim is to convert the government-held chana stock into chana dal and offer it at affordable prices.

Key Points:

• The Chana dal is available for purchase at ₹60 per kg for a one kg pack and ₹55 per kg for a 30 kg pack.
• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, headed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, announced the subsidised prices.
• The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) retail outlets in Delhi-NCR are selling the chana dal.
• Chana dal milling and packaging are handled by NAFED for distribution through its retail outlets in Delhi-NCR, as well as outlets of NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and Safal.
• The State governments can also procure the subsidised chana dal for their welfare schemes, police, jails, and consumer cooperative outlets.

Benefits and Usage of Chana:

Chana is the most abundantly produced pulse in India and is consumed in various forms throughout the country. Here are some uses and benefits of chana:

• Chana whole is soaked and boiled to make salads, while roasted chana is served as snacks.
• Fried chana dal can be used as an alternative to tur dal in curries and soups.
• Chana besan is a crucial ingredient in namkeens and sweets.
• Chana is rich in fibre, iron, potassium, vitamin B, selenium, beta carotene, and choline, which are essential for controlling anaemia, blood sugar, bone health, and mental well-being.

This initiative by the Centre aims to ensure that consumers have access to affordable pulses, while also utilizing the government’s chana stock effectively.