Bengal gram, also known as chana or chickpeas, is a highly nutritious pulse crop that is widely cultivated in India and other Asian countries. It is a staple food in many households and is used in the preparation of various dishes like chana masala, hummus, and falafel.
Bengal gram belongs to the leguminous family and is grown as a summer or winter crop depending on the region. It is an important cash crop for farmers as it not only provides them with a stable source of income but also helps in improving soil health due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Here are some interesting varieties of Bengal gram crop that are grown in India:
1. Kabuli Chana: This variety of Bengal gram has a light brownish color and a slightly sweeter taste than other varieties. It is mainly used for making chana dal, chana masala, and other dishes that require softer and larger chickpeas.
2. Desi Chana: This is the most commonly grown variety of Bengal gram in India. It has a dark brown color and a slightly nutty flavor. It is used for making chana dal, besan (gram flour), and is also roasted and consumed as a snack.
3. Pusa-372: This is a high-yielding variety of Bengal gram that is resistant to wilt and blight diseases. It has a reddish-brown color and is mainly grown in the northern states of India.
4. JG-11: This is a dwarf variety of Bengal gram that is suitable for cultivation in areas with low rainfall. It has a high grain yield and is used for making chana dal, besan, and roasted chana.
5. Jaki-9218: This is a late maturing variety of Bengal gram that is resistant to Ascochyta blight disease. It has a light brown color and can be grown in areas with moderate to high rainfall.
Bengal gram is a versatile crop that can be grown in a wide range of climatic conditions and soil types. It is an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and other essential nutrients that are beneficial for human health. With the availability of different varieties, farmers can choose the one that suits their local conditions and can get better yields and profits.