Piyush Goyal Launches ‘Bharat Dal’; Chana Dal At Rs 60 Per Kg

Dal is an essential kitchen ingredient that is a staple in Indian cooking. But their rising price has really made us think twice before cooking them. However, the Central government has given us some good news. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday launched the sale of subsidised chana dal under the brand name ‘Bharat Dal’. This has reduced the rate of chana dal to Rs 60 per kg for a one-kg pack and Rs 55 per kg for a 30-kg pack.

It is a move to reduce the burden on consumers and provide them with pulses at an affordable rate. The Ministry Of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said, "The introduction of ‘Bharat Dal’ is a major step taken by the Central Government towards making pulses available to consumers at affordable prices by converting chana stock of the government into chana dal."

"The milling and packaging of chana dal is undertaken by NAFED for distribution through its retail outlets in Delhi-NCR and also through the outlets of NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and Safal," the statement further added. According to the official reports, chana dal will also be made available to state governments under this arrangement for supplies in welfare schemes, police, and jails and distribution through their consumer cooperative outlets. 

When talking about the uses of chana dal, or Bengal gram, it is incredibly versatile and widely consumed all over the country. Some popular chana dal dishes are dal khichdi, dal tadka, dhokla, dal fry, puri, kachori, vada, cutlets, chilla, and so on. Along with being tasty, it is also loaded with various nutrients like protein, vitamins, and fibre.

Here are some health benefits of chana dal:

  • The high protein content of chana dal makes it ideal for increasing physical stamina and boosting energy levels. 
  • It is rich in iron and folate, which help reduce the risk of anaemia.
  • Chana dal is also loaded with calcium and vitamin D, which makes it a perfect food for strengthening bones. 
  • The high fibre content of Bengal gram also helps in digestion and treats gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion and diarrhoea.
  • Being low in calories, it is also a great addition to your weight-loss diet.