Uses and Composition of Bengal Gram

Bengal gram is useful to man and animals in various ways. They begin to use this plant right from its seedling stage to post-harvest stages. It is an important green vegetable in early seedling stage and during seed development stage. The grains are used in a number of ways like, dal, flied grain, roasted grains and fried grains. Its flour is used for chapati, soups and in various sweets like Beasan Ladoos" and 'Gajak'. Both grains and flour are used as concentrates for milch and draught animals. Its grains form a major part of the poultry, pig, swine and turkey feed. Its green and dried straw is nutritive and palatable to animals of all kinds. The seed contains 19% protein, 56% carbohydrates, 6% fibre, 10% moisture and an ample quantities of vitamin 'B' and Vitamtn 'C'. Being a leguminous crop, it fits well in crop rotation.