Besan: Is it really chana dal?
Imagine reaching for a bag of besan, ready to have your favorite pakoras or laddoos. But what if that familiar flour wasn't quite what you expected? A recent investigation has revealed that a growing number of besan manufacturers are substituting chana dal (Bengal gram) with cheaper yellow peas. While yellow peas are perfectly safe, this swap rises questions about transparency and fair pricing in the market.
Traditionally, besan is made from premium chana dal, which currently retails for around Rs 74 per kg. Yellow peas, on the other hand, cost a mere Rs 35 per kg. Despite this significant difference in raw material costs, the price of besan remains high. This discrepancy suggests that manufacturers are reaping substantial profits at the expense of unsuspecting consumers.
This issue has caught the attention of government agencies, which are now testing besan samples to determine the extent of yellow pea substitution. This is to ensure fair pricing and compel manufacturers to pass on the cost savings to consumers. Ideally, besan made with yellow peas should be priced under Rs 50 per kg.
The influx of yellow peas began when the Indian government declared them duty-free in late 2023 to combat food inflation. While this move initially seemed beneficial, it has had other consequences. Imports have surged, discouraging local farmers from cultivating essential pulses like chana dal. This disrupted domestic pulse production and further contributed to rising food prices.
To address these concerns, the government is bringing in new regulations that will require manufacturers to clearly label the ingredients in their besan. This increased transparency will empower consumers to make informed choices and ensure they are getting what they pay for. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will play a key role in enforcing these new labeling standards.
The besan situation highlights the complex interplay between imports, domestic agriculture, and consumer prices. It remains to be seen how the market will adjust and whether consumers will finally benefit from the lower cost of yellow peas.
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