India is one of the largest producers and consumers of pulses in the world. With changing dietary patterns and rising awareness of protein intake, demand for pulses continues to grow steadily. Reports indicate that dall mill annual consumption will reach 24 million tonnes by 2020 dal dhal mill dried pulse peas pisum sativum chickpeas garbanzos moong urad lentils masur pigeon peas tur Dal Mill Project—highlighting the immense market potential. Pulses are vital in vegetarian diets and serve as key protein sources for millions. Moreover, their adaptability to diverse climates and ability to enrich soil fertility make them a strategic crop for sustainable agriculture. As a result, establishing a dal mill business offers both economic viability and social relevance.

Understanding Dal Mill Project and Market Dynamics

Dal milling refers to the process of cleaning, dehusking, splitting, and polishing dried pulses. The finished product is what we commonly call dal, used in various Indian cuisines. With increased urbanization and demand for processed, ready-to-cook pulses, the dal mill industry is rapidly expanding.

See More : Snack Food Manufacturing

Major Pulse Types Processed in Dal Mills

India grows a wide variety of pulses, each requiring slightly different processing techniques. A typical dal mill handles several of the following:

• Pisum sativum (dried peas): These green or yellow peas are used in soups and snacks.

• Chickpeas (garbanzos): Often split into chana dal or ground into besan flour.

• Moong dal: A highly digestible pulse, ideal for khichdi and sprouts.

• Urad dal: Used in idli-dosa batter, papads, and vadas.

• Lentils (masur dal): Red or pink lentils used for quick-cooking recipes.

• Pigeon peas (tur/arhar dal): A staple in Indian households and thalis.

Each of these pulses undergoes cleaning, grading, conditioning, splitting, and polishing. Moreover, by-products such as husk and broken dal are sold as cattle feed or used in flour milling, ensuring zero waste.

Pulse Consumption Trends and Industry Growth

India’s population growth and changing food preferences have significantly impacted the pulse sector. The phrase dall mill annual consumption will reach 24 million tonnes by 2020 dal dhal mill dried pulse peas pisum sativum chickpeas garbanzos moong urad lentils masur pigeon peas tur dal mill accurately reflects the pace of demand.

Drivers of this growth include:

• Rising middle-class income and shift to packaged food

• Urbanization leading to greater consumption of processed dal

• Government nutrition programs increasing pulse distribution

• Health trends favoring plant-based proteins

Moreover, global demand for Indian pulses, especially in countries with large Indian diasporas, has created an export market. This further boosts profitability for dal mill entrepreneurs.

Dal Milling Process and Machinery Requirements

A typical dal milling unit consists of the following steps:

1. Cleaning – Removal of dust, stones, and foreign particles using graders and de-stoners.

2. Pitting and soaking – Loosening the husk for easier dehusking.

3. Drying – Bringing soaked pulses to the right moisture content.

4. Dehusking and splitting – Using emery rollers or modern impact splitters.

5. Polishing – Enhancing the appearance of dal using oil or water polishers.

Key machines include:

• Pulse cleaner and grader

• Destoner and aspirator

• Pitting machine and soaking tanks

• Dryer

• Dal splitter and polisher

• Elevators and conveyors for material handling

Semi-automatic and fully automated dal mills are now available for entrepreneurs, depending on scale and investment. Moreover, machinery made of stainless steel ensures food safety and long-term durability.

Capacity Planning and Investment for Dal Mills

Small-scale dal mills may process 1–2 tonnes/day, while medium units handle up to 10 tonnes/day. Large commercial plants can go beyond 50 tonnes/day. Your investment depends on land, machinery, utilities, and working capital.

Estimated cost for different scales:

• Small dal mill: ?12–15 lakhs

• Medium dal mill: ?25–35 lakhs

• Large dal mill: ?60 lakhs and above

Working capital is required for raw pulse procurement, packaging materials, electricity, labor, and transport. However, with proper planning and government support, return on investment is strong. Moreover, break-even typically occurs within 1.5–2 years of operation.

Raw Material Sourcing and Seasonal Planning

Sourcing quality raw pulses is critical. India grows pulses in two main seasons:

• Kharif season: July to October (moong, urad, tur)

• Rabi season: November to March (chickpeas, masur, peas)

Procurement can be done through:

• Local mandis and wholesale markets

• Direct purchase from farmers or FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations)

• Government procurement agencies and NAFED

To avoid supply disruption, millers should maintain buffer stock and diversify sourcing locations. Moreover, aligning processing with crop calendars improves inventory turnover and reduces storage costs.

Packaging, Branding, and Retail Distribution

Modern consumers prefer neatly packed, branded dal with proper labeling and quality assurance. Your dal mill can add value through:

• Vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed packs to enhance shelf life

• Custom weight packs (500g, 1kg, 5kg) to suit market segments

• Clear labeling with FSSAI compliance, expiry date, and nutrition facts

Distribution channels include:

• Local retail stores and supermarkets

• Wholesalers and distributors

• Online marketplaces like Amazon, BigBasket

• Institutional buyers like hotels and caterers

Moreover, branding your dal with regional or health-based identity (e.g., “organic tur dal from Vidarbha”) helps you stand out in a competitive market.

By-Products and Waste Utilization

Dal milling generates valuable by-products:

• Broken dal: Used in animal feed or secondary flour

• Husk: Burned as biomass fuel or used in compost

• Dust and screenings: Used for poultry feed or discarded safely

Innovative units are using husk to power biomass boilers and reduce energy costs. Moreover, some mills convert broken dal into value-added products like pulse flour or protein-rich snacks.

Licensing, Compliance, and Quality Standards

To run a legal and safe dal mill business, the following licenses are essential:

• FSSAI license (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

• GST registration

• Factory license and local trade license

• Pollution control NOC (if required)

Adopting ISO 22000 or HACCP standards further enhances product credibility. Moreover, quality grading and certifications (Agmark, Organic) allow you to charge premium prices and access export markets.

Government Support and Subsidies

The Indian government promotes pulse processing under several schemes:

• PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises)

• NABARD refinance schemes for agro-processing

• MSME credit under MUDRA loans and CGTMSE

• Subsidy on dal mill machinery through SFAC, APEDA, or state agriculture departments

Moreover, SIDBI and nationalized banks provide term loans at reduced interest rates for rural food processing ventures. Entrepreneurs should contact DIC (District Industries Centre) for assistance with project reports and approvals.

Export Opportunities for Indian Pulses

India is a major exporter of processed pulses to:

• USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Australia

• Sri Lanka, Nepal, and African nations

Export-quality dal must meet strict food safety and packaging norms. Indian mills can export split peas, chickpeas, pigeon peas, and lentils, both raw and semi-processed. Moreover, global vegan and gluten-free food trends are boosting demand for Indian pulses.

By partnering with export houses or obtaining APEDA registration, dal mills can access international markets. As a result, many small processors are scaling up to meet global orders.

Future Outlook of Dal Milling Industry

With increasing urbanization, health awareness, and packaged food consumption, the dal processing industry is set for sustained growth. The expectation that dall mill annual consumption will reach 24 million tonnes by 2020 dal dhal mill dried pulse peas pisum sativum chickpeas garbanzos moong urad lentils masur pigeon peas tur dal mill is just the beginning.

Future trends include:

• Automation and digitization in pulse milling

• Traceability systems using QR codes and blockchain

• Contract farming and direct-from-farmer sourcing

• Branded organic and low-GI dal products

Moreover, sustainability practices like renewable energy use and zero-waste processing will shape the future of this agro-industry.

See More : Industrial Training Institute

Conclusion

The forecast that dall mill annual consumption will reach 24 million tonnes by 2020 dal dhal mill dried pulse peas pisum sativum chickpeas garbanzos moong urad lentils masur pigeon peas tur dal mill highlights the importance and scale of this sector. Entrepreneurs who invest in quality infrastructure, ensure hygiene, and target both domestic and global markets stand to benefit immensely. With strong demand, government support, and technological innovation, the dal milling industry promises high returns and long-term viability. As a result, it serves as a critical link in India’s food processing value chain and an ideal venture for aspiring agro-entrepreneurs.

Contact Us