reen gram is one of the  important pulse crop in India. It has been reported that Green gram has been cultivated in India since ancient times. It is widely cultivated throughout the Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand.

Green gram supplies protein requirement of vegetarian population of the country. It is a protein rich staple food. It contains about 25 percent protein, which is almost three times that of cereals. It is consumed in the form of split pulse as well as whole pulse The moong dal Khichdi is recommended to the ill or aged person as it is easily digestible and considered as complete diet.  Roti with Moong dal and Moong dal chawal is an important ingredient in the average Indian diet.

 It is a drought resistant crop and suitable for dry land farming and predominantly used as an intercrop with other crops. The chemical composition of Green gram is given below.

2.0         Nutritional value of Green gram (Dal)

3.0 State wise Major commercial varieties of Green gram

Improved varieties of Green gram grown in different states in the country

1.      Andhra Pradesh :-             ML-267, LGG-450, LGG-460, LGG-407, WGG-37,

 Pusa-105

2. Andaman & Nicobar:-       K-851

3. Gujarat:-                                K-851, GM-4

4. Jharkhand:-                         Pant G 114, H-208, Radhe, C-235, BG-256, BR-77

5. Karnataka:-                          Pant G 114, H-208, Radhe, C-235, BG-256, BR-77

6. Maharashtra:-                      Kopargaon, S-8, T-44, BM-4, Chamki, Mughlai, Fule M-2

7. Orissa:-                                 Local, Tarm-1, Pusa 9072, LGG-407, Pusa Baisakhi,

K-851, ML-5, ML-131, Sujata, Dhauli, PDM-54, PDM-11, Pant-2

8.      Tamil Nadu:-                        ADT2,ADT3, Vamban, Paiur-1, K-1, URM(GGI), CO4, CO5, VBN(GG2), CO6

9.      Uttar Pradesh:-                   Pant Moong-1, Type-44, Pant Moong-2, Pant Moong-3, Narendra Moong-1, PDM-54, Pant Moong-4, PDM11, Malvia Jyoti, Samrat, Malika Janchetna,, Malika Janpriya

10. West Bengal:-                     B-77, B-108, T-163, T-44

4.0    4.0 Harvesting and post-harvest care

a)  Harvesting care:

 During harvesting, proper care should be taken to minimize quantitative and qualitative losses.

 Following care should be taken during harvesting:

1. Harvesting should be done at proper maturity to ensure optimum grain quality and consumer acceptance.

2. Harvesting before the maturity of crop, usually result in lower yields, higher proportion of immature seeds, poor grain quality and more chances of infestation during storage.

3. Delay in harvesting of Green gram, results in shattering of pods and other losses caused by birds, rats, insects etc.

4. The best time to harvest the crop, when large i.e. 80 percet of the pods are fully matured.

5. Avoid harvesting during adverse weather condition i.e. rains and overcast weather.

6. Use right kind of harvest equipment (sickle).

7. Avoid pest infestation prior to harvesting.

8. The harvested bundles should be kept in one direction in order to ascertain efficient threshing.

9. Keep the harvested bundles for drying in the field after cutting on the threshing floor, if weather permits.

10. The harvested produce should be stacked in a dry, clean place in cubical way to facilitate circulation of the air around.

11. Rogue out the admixtures prior to harvesting

12. Keep the harvested Green gram separately from one variety to another to get true to type variety (grains).

B) Post harvest care:

a.        Harvest at proper stage of maturity to reduce losses.

b.        Use proper method of harvesting.

c.        Adopt modern mechanical methods, to avoid the losses in threshing and winnowing

d.        Use improved technique of processing.

e.        Adopt cleaning and grading for remunerative prices inter-alia to avoid financial loss.

f.          Use good packaging materials for storage and in transport i.e. B-Twill Jute bags or HDPE bags.

g.        Adopt proper technique in storage.

h.        Apply pest control measures during storage.

i.           Proper handling i.e. (loading and unloading) of Green gram with good transportation facilities at farm and market level reduces losses.

j.           Avoid use of hooks during handling.

5.0 Grading

Grading means the sorting of the homogenous lots of the produce according to the fixed grade standard. Produce is graded in accordance with various quality factors.

Importance

i)                       The grading is beneficial to the farmers, traders as well as to the consumers.

ii)                     Grading of the produce before sale enables farmers to get better price for their produce.

iii)                      Grading helps the consumers to get standard quality produce at fair price.

iv)                      It facilitates the consumer to compare the prices of different qualities of a produce in the market.

v)                     It assures the quality of the produce and also reduces the cost of the marketing and transportation.

Grade Specifications:

i) AGMARK

The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 was enacted to maintain the quality of agricultural produce in India. According to this Act, specifications have been drawn up for Green gram for various quality factors.

The grade standards specified for Green gram whole, split and split (unhusked), drawn by Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, are given in Annexure I and Annexure II.

ii) National Agricultural Cooperative Federation

(NAFED)

           NAFED is the nodal agency of Government of India for procuring Green gram in different states under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The concerned State Co-operative Marketing Federations are the procuring agents for NAFED.

Organization has prescribed only one grade i.e. Fair Average Quality (FAQ) for procurement of pulses including Green gram under the Price Support Scheme.  All the purchases under the PSS by NAFED are made in accordance with the prescribed grade / specifications which are given in Annexure III

iii) Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA)

PFA has also prescribed the grade specification for split seeds (pulses) of Green gram which is given in Annexure  IV.

GRADING AT PRODUCERS’ LEVEL

      There is an increasing recognition to the fact that producers need to be assisted in grading their produce before sale so that farmers may get better price. For securing adequate returns to the producer/seller, the scheme of “Grading at Producers’ Level” was introduced in 1962-63 by Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. The main objective of this scheme is to subject the produce to simple test and assign a grade before it is offered for sale. After grading, the producers get prices commensurate with the quality of the produce. The programme is being implemented by the States/Union Territories.

Sanitary and phyto-sanitary requirements:

             The agreement on Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) measures is a part of the GATT Agreement, 1994, for export and import trade. The aim of the agreement is to prevent the risk of introduction of new pests and diseases in new region i.e. importing countries. The main purpose of the agreement is to protect human health, animal health, and Phyto-Sanitary situation of all member countries and protect the members from arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination due to different Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary standards.

When SPS Required: The SPS agreement applies to all Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary measures, which may directly or indirectly, affect international trade.  Sanitary measures deals with human or animal health, and Phyto-Sanitary measures are related to plant health.  SPS measures are applied in four situations for the protection of human, animal or plant health:

1.   Risks arising from the entry, establishment or spread of pests, diseases, disease- carrying organisms or disease causing organisms.

2.   Risks coming from additives, contaminants, toning or disease-causing organisms in foods, beverages or feedstuffs.

3.   Risks arising from diseases carried by animals, plants or products thereof, or from the entry, establishment, or spread of pests.

4.   Prevention or limitation of damage caused by the entry, establishment or spread of pests.

The SPS standards commonly applied by Governments as they affect imports are:

(i)           Import Ban (Total/partial) are generally applied, when there is a significant rate risk about a hazard.

(ii)         Technical specification (Process standards/Technical standards) are most widely applied measures and permit import subject to compliance with pre-determined specification.

(iii)       Information Requirements (Labelling Requirements/Control on Voluntary claims)   permit imports provided they are appropriately labelled.

6.0 Packaging

Following packaging materials are used in packaging of Green gram:

1) Jute bags                

2) HDPE/pp bags

3) Polythene impregnated Jute bags                   

4) Poly pouches

(5) Cloth bags

The good packaging material must posses the following qualities:

1)     It must protect quality and quantity.

2)     It must prevent spoilage during transit and storage.

3)     It must tell information about quality, variety, date of packing, weight and price etc.

4)     It must be convenient in handling operations.

5)     It must be convenient to stack.

6)     It must be cheap, clean and attractive. 

7)     It must be biodegradable.

8)     It must free from adverse chemicals.

9)     It should be useful after the first use.

7.0 TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is an essential element in marketing. It involves the movement of produce from the place of production to the place of consumption, safely by use of one or more modes of transport.

The transportation of Green gram is mainly done by head loads, bullock or camel cart, tractor-trolleys, trucks, railways and ships depending upon the availability of transportation means, quantity of the produce and the stage of marketing.

 Means of transportation used at different stages of marketing

Availability of cheaper and convenient modes of Transport:

The most common modes of transportation are

a.                  Road Transportation

a)              Head Load               b)          Pack Animals               

c)         Bullock cart            d)        Tractors Trolley

e)          Trucks

2.                  Railways

3.         Water Transport

Selection of Mode of Transportation

 Following points should be considered for the selection of mode of transportation:

1. The mode of transportation should be cheaper among available alternatives.

b.      It should be convenient during loading and unloading of Green gram.

3.  It must protect Green gram during transportation from adverse weather conditions.

4. It should be safe from pilferage etc.

5. It must deliver Green gram to consignee in stipulated period as the price changes every day.

f.        It should be easily available particularly during post harvest period.

7. Distances should be considered.

8.0    STORAGE

 The storage is an important aspect of post harvest technology because Green gram is seasonally produced (mainly during kharif season) but consumed throughout the year.

.

Safe storage requirements:

The following points should be considered while storage of Green gram:

1.      Selection of site (location): 

2. Selection of storage structure:
3. Cleaning of storage structures:

4.      Cleaning and Drying:

5.      Cleaning of bags:

6.      Separate storage of new and old stock:

7.      Cleaning of vehicles:

8.      Use of dunnage:

9.      Proper aeration:

10. Regular inspection:

Major stored grain pests and its control measures

Post-harvest protection of pulses assumes a greater importance in overall crop protection system. All the efforts put in while raising the crop would go in vain, if adequate measures are not adopted during storage. The produce is to be essentially stored for longer or shorter duration, either for consumption or as seed for sowing during the next cropping season.

The various factors responsible for deteriorate of grains and seeds stored can be broadly classify under two categories.

1. Biotic factors                               2. Abiotic factors

i)  Insect                                                          i)  Moisture content/Relative humidity

ii) Rodents                                                    ii)  Temperature

iii) Birds

iv) Fungi

v) Mites

vi)Bacteria

STORAGE STRUCTURES

Traditional storage structures

                                                              1      Mud bins or Kothi

                                                              2      Metal Drums

                3.   Thekka

                4.  Gunny Bags

Improved storage structures:

     The Government of India has made efforts to promote improved storage facilities at the farm level and launched a programme to impart scientific knowledge to farmers regarding storage of grains known as the Save Food Grain Compaign. Indian scientists and agriculturists have designed and fabricated improved storage bins for the use of farmers, which are moisture resistant and rodent-proof.

i)      Improved bins:

           a)       Pusa Kothi               b)        Nanda bins      c)       Hapur Kothi

             d)       PAU bins                  e)         PKV bins          f)        Chittore stone bins etc.

ii)    Warehouse

iii)   CAP Storage (cover and plinth) storage

iv)   Silos

STORAGE FACILITIES

             Green gram storage is performed at different level;

i) At Producer’s Level

ii) At Rural Level

iii) At Mandi level

iv)  At CWC

v)  At State Warehousing Corporation (SWCs) 

vi)  At Co-operative level

Storage facilities

1)  Producers’ storage

Producers store Green gram in bulk at farm godown or own house using various types of traditional and improved structures. Generally, these storage containers are used for short period. Different organisations/institutions developed improved structures for Green gram storage with various capacities like Hapur Kothi, Pusa bin, Nanda bin, PKV bin, etc. Different storage structures are also used for this purpose like bricks-built rural godown, mud stone godown etc. Producers also use flexible PVC sheets covering for temporary storage. Some producers also pack Green gram in jute gunny bags or in gunny bags lined with polythene and stack in room.    

2) Rural godowns

Considering the importance of rural storage in marketing of agricultural produce, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection initiated a Rural Godowns Scheme, in collaboration with NABARD and NCDC. Its objective is to construct scientific storage godowns with allied facilities in rural areas and to establish a network of rural godowns in the States and Union Territories. The main objectives of Rural Godowns Scheme are as under;

i)        To prevent distress sale of foodgrains and other agricultural commodities immediately after harvest.

ii)      To reduce quantity and quality losses arising from sub-standard storage.

iii)    To reduce pressure on transport system in the post-harvest period.

iv)    To help the farmers in getting pledge loans against the stored produce

Eligibility :  The project for construction of rural godowns can be taken up by individuals, farmers, group of farmers/growers, Partnership/ Proprietary firms, Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s), Self Help Groups(SHGs), Companies, Corporations, Co-operatives, Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees, Marketing Boards and Agro Processing Corporations in the entire country. However, assistance for renovation/ expansion of rural godown is restricted to the godowns constructed by cooperatives only.

Location :   Under the scheme, the entrepreneur will be free to construct godown at any place and of any size as per his commercial judgment except for the restrictions that it would be outside the limits of Municipal Corporation area and be of a minimum capacity of 100 MT.

3) Mandi godowns

Most of the States and Union Territories have enacted Agricultural Produce Market (Regulation) Act. The reduction of loss of produce was aimed in the scheme of regulated market. The regulated markets developed modern market yard with necessary infrastructural facilities. The APMCs have constructed godowns so that the agricultural produce brought into the market should be stored safely by market committees. The produce is weighed in the presence of producer/seller at the time of keeping the produce in the godown after grading for storing and receipt is issued indicating the quality and weight of produce to be stored. The receipt is issued by the licensed general commission agents or brokers depending upon the case. The CWC, SWC and Co-operative societies have also constructed godown in the market yards.

In most of the secondary and terminal regulated markets, central and state warehousing corporations also provide scientific storage facilities at prescribed storage charge and issue warehousing receipt against pledge of produce, which is a negotiable document for obtaining finance from the Scheduled Banks.

4)  Central Warehousing Corporation ( CWC )

CWC was established during 1957. It is the largest public warehouse operator in the country.  Apart from storage, CWC also offers services in the area of clearing and forwarding, handling and transportation, distribution, disinfestation, fumigation and other ancillary services like safety and security, insurance, standardization and documentation.  The CWC has also introduced a scheme, called the Farmers’ Extension Service at selected centres to educate farmers about the benefits of a scientific storage. The CWC is also operating custom bonded warehouses. These bonded warehouses are specially constructed at a seaport or airport and accept imported commodities for storage till the payment of customs duties by the importer of the commodities.

5) State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs)

Different states have set up their own warehouses in the country. The area of operation of the State Warehousing Corporations is district places of the state.The total share capital of the State Warehousing Corporations is contributed equally by the Central Warehousing Corporation and concerned State Government. The SWCs are under the dual control of the State Government and the CWC. 

6) Co-operatives

            Cooperative storage facilities are provided to the producer at cheaper rates, which reduces the storage cost. These cooperatives also provide pledge loan against the produce and storage is more systematic and scientific than traditional storage. Financial assistance and subsidies are provided by Government organisations/banks to build cooperative storage. To meet the increasing need for storage capacity, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) encourages construction of storage facilities by cooperatives, particularly at rural and market level.

9.0 IMPORTANT  ASSEMBLING MARKETS

Major Assembling Markets:

Some major assembling markets of different states are as under:

10.0 MARKETING CHANNELS

Following are the important marketing channels exist in the marketing of Green gram.

A)  Private Marketing Channel:

i)  Producer  à  Dal Miller  à  Consumer

ii) Producer  à  VillageTrader  à  Dal Miller  à  Wholesaler  à  Retailer  à  Consumer

iii) Producer  à  Dal Miller  à  Retailer  à  Consumer

iv) Producer  à  Wholesaler  à  Dal Miller  à  Retailer  à  Consumer

v) Producer  à  Wholesaler  à  Dal Miller  à  Wholesaler  à  Retailer  à  Consumer

vi) Producer  à  Wholesaler  à  Retailer  à  Consumer (For whole Green gram)

vii) Producer àCommission Agent à Dal Miller à Wholesaler à Retailer à Consumer

B)  Institutional Marketing Channel:

 Producer  à  Procuring Agency   à   Dal Miller   à   Consumer

Producer  à Procuring Agency à Dal Miller   à   Wholesaler  à Retailer  à Consumer

Producer  à Procuring Agency  à   Dal Miller   à   Retailer  à  Consumer

11.0  Marketing information

To be efficient marketing decisions, Marketing information is a key function, regulate the competitive marketing processes and to restrict the monopoly or profiteering individuals in the market. It is needed by producers in planning production and marketing of their produce, and is equally required by other market participants. Farmers need to be fully familiarized in different areas of agricultural marketing in order to improve price realization. Marketing information is important at all the stages of marketing right from farm level to ultimate consumption level and simultaneously for all the participants in these stages i.e. producers, traders (millers), consumers, etc.

 Government of India has started Agricultural marketing information network scheme through Directorate of Marketing and Inspection to  improve the present market information scenario by linking all agricultural produce markets in the States and Union Territories. The information are displayed on the website www.agmarknet.nic.in

Benefits:

            Marketing information is important for all the concern participants of Agricultural Marketing.

It benefits to

1)  Producers

2)  Consumers

3)  Traders

4)  Government

12.0 Alternative systems of marketing

12.1 Direct marketing

            Direct marketing is an innovative concept, which involves marketing of produce i.e. Green gram by the farmer directly to the consumer/miller without any middlemen.

Advantages:

1.      Direct marketing helps in better marketing of the produce.

2.      It increases profit of the producer.

3.      It minimizes marketing cost.

4.      It encourages distribution efficiency of the marketing system.

5.      It promotes employment to the producer.

6.      Direct marketing satisfy the consumer.

7.      It provides better marketing techniques to producers.

8.      It encourages direct contact between producers and consumer.

9.      It encourages the farmers for retail sale of their produce.

12.2 Contract marketing

Contract Marketing is a system of marketing, where selected crop is grown for marketing by farmers under a ‘buy back’ agreement with an agency (entrepreneur or trader or processor or manufacturer).

Advantages to farmers:

1.      Price stability ensuring fair return of produce

2.      Assured marketing outlet and no involvement of middlemen.

3.      Prompt and assured payments

4.      Technical advice in the field of production till harvesting

5.      Fair trade practices

6.      Credit facility

7.      Crop insurance

8.      Exposure to new technology and best practices

Advantages to contracting Agency:

i)                    Assured supply of produce (raw materials)

ii)                  Control on need based production/post harvest handling

iii)                Control on quality of produce

iv)                Stability in price as per mutually agreed contract terms and conditions

v)                  Opportunities to acquire and introduce desired varieties of crop

vi)                Help in meeting specific customer needs/choice

vii)              Better control on logistics

viii)            Strengthen producer/buyer relationship

12.3     Co-operative marketing

The co-operative societies sale the member’s produce directly in the market, which fetches the remunerative price. Co-operative societies, market the member’s produce collectively and secure advantages of economy of scale to its members.

The following services are provided in Co-operative marketing

1.             Procurement and disposal of farm produce

2.             Processing of produce

3.             Grading

4.             Packing

5.             Storage

6.             Transport

7.             Credit

8.             Fair trade practices

9.             Protect against marketing malpractices

Benefits:

a)                      Remunerative price to producers

b)                      Reduction in cost of marketing

c)                       Reduction in commission charges

d)                      Effective use of infrastructure

e)                      Credit facilities

f)                         Timely transportation service

g)                      Reduces malpractices

h)                       Marketing Information

i)                         Supply of agricultural inputs

j)                         Collective processing

12.4 Forward and future markets

            Forward trading means an agreement or a contract between seller and purchaser, for a certain kind and quantity of a commodity for making delivery at a specified future time, at contracted price. It is a type of trading, which provide protection against the price fluctuations of agricultural produce.

Forward contracts are broadly of two types: 

(a) Specific delivery contracts

b) Other than specific delivery contracts

Benefits:

i) Price stabilization

ii) Encourages competition

iii) Ensures  balance in demand and supply

iv)  Promotes integration of price

 It is useful to all segment of economy:

1) Producers

2) Traders/Exporters

3) Millers/Consumers

13.0 Institutional credit facilities

Pledge finance

             To get rid of distress sale, Government of India, promoted Pledge Finance Scheme through a network of rural godown and negotiable warehousing receipt system. Through this scheme, small and marginal farmers can get immediate financial support to meet their requirements and retain the produce till they get remunerative price.

Benefits:

(i)           Increases the retention capacity of the small farmers, which in consequent also enable the farmers to avoid distress sale.

(ii)         Minimises the farmer’s dependency on the commission agents as the pledge finance provide financial support to them immediately after harvest period.

(iii)       Participation of the farmers, irrespective of their land holding size, increases the arrivals in market yard throughout the year.

(iv)        Provides a sense of security to the farmers even if their produce not sold out in    the market yard immediately.

14.0 Organisations/ agencies providing marketing services

15.0     DO’S AND DON’TS

Annexure I

I)Grade specification of quality of Green gram (Moong Whole)

 A)  General Characteristics:

       Green gram (Moong  whole) shall –

 (a) be the dried mature seeds of Pulse Green gram (Phaseolus aurues Roxb. or phaseolus radiatus Rox:

(a)    be sweet, clean, wholesome, uniform in size, shape, colour and in sound merchantable conditions;

(b)   be free from living and dead insects, fungus infestation, added colouring matter, moulds, obnoxious smell, discolouration;

(c)    be free from rodent hair and excreta;

(d)   be free from toxic or noxious seeds viz. Crotolaria (Crotolaria spp.), Corn cockle (Agrostemma githago L.), Castor bean (Ricinus   communis L.), Jimson weed (Dhatura spp.), Argemone mexicana, Khesari and other seeds that are commonly recognized as harmful to health;

(e)    Uric acid and Aflatoxin shall not exceed  100 milligrams and 30 micrograms per kilogram respectively;

(f)     Comply with the restrictions in regard to poisonous metals (rule-57), crop contaminants (rule 57-A) naturally occurring toxic substances (rule 57-B), use of insecticides (rule-65), and other provisions prescribed under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, as amended from time to time.

B) Special Characteristics:

Note.- In  foreign matter, the impurities of animal origin shall not be more than 0.10 per 

cent by weight..

Annexure II

II} Grade specification of quality of Green gram split (Moong split husked)

A)  General Characteristics:

       The Green gram split (Moong husked) pulse shall:

(a)   Consist of husked and split seeds of Pulse Green gram  (Phaseolus  aurues Roxb. or Phaseolus rediatus Roxb.);

(b)    be sweet, clean, wholesome, uniform in size, shape, colour and in sound merchantable conditions;

(c)    be free from living and dead insects, fungus infestation, added colouring matter, moulds, obnoxious smell, discolouration;

(d)   be free from rodent hair and excreta;

(e)    be free from toxic or noxious seeds viz. Crotolaria (Crotolaria spp.), Corn cockle (Agrostemma githago L.), Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), Jimson weed (Dhatura spp.), Argemone mexicana, Khesari and other seeds that are commonly recognized as harmful to health;

(f)     Uric acid and Aflatoxin shall not exceed  100 milligrams and 30 micrograms per kilogram respectively;

(g)    Comply with the restrictions in regard to poisonous metals (rule-57), crop  contaminants (rule 57-A), naturally occurring toxic substances (rule 57-B), use of insecticides (rule-65)  and other provisions prescribed under  the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, as amended from time to time.

B) Special Characteristics:

Note: - In foreign matter, the impurities of animal origin shall not be more than 0.10 per  cent by weight.

Annexure III

III}Grade specification of quality of Green gram Split (Moong split Unhusked)

A)  General Characteristics:

       The Green gram split (unhusked) pulse shall:

(a)    consist of unhusked and split seeds of Pulse Green gram  (Phaseolus  aurues Roxb. or Phaseolus rediatus Roxb.);

(b)    be sweet, clean, wholesome, uniform in size, shape, colour and in sound merchantable conditions;

(c)    be free from living and dead insects, fungus infestation, added colouring matter, moulds, obnoxious smell, discolouration;

(d)    be free from rodent hair and excreta;

(e)    be free from toxic or noxious seeds viz. Crotolaria (Crotolaria spp.), Corn cockle (Agrostemma githago L.), Castor bean (Ricinus  communis L.), Jimson weed (Dhatura spp.), Argemone mexicana, Khesari and other seeds  that are commonly recognized as  harmful to health;

(f)     Uric acid and Aflatoxin shall not exceed  100 milligrams and 30 micrograms per kilogram respectively;

(g)    Comply with the restrictions in regard to poisonous metals (rule-57), crop  contaminants (rule 57-A),  naturally  occurring toxic substances (rule 57-B), use of insecticides (rule-65)  and other provisions prescribed under  the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, as amended from time to time.

B) Special Characteristics:

Note- In foreign matter, the impurities of animal origin shall not be more than 0.10 percent by weight.

Source: AGMARK STANDERDS for FOODGRAINS AND ALLIED PRODUCTS Under The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking), Act, 1937 Rules made upto 1^st June, 2005, (Sixth Edition) Volume- VII and website of the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection “www.agmarknet.nic.in”

Annexure IV

Grade specifications of National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NAFED):

           NAFED is the nodal agency of Government of India for procuring Green gram in different states under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The concerned State Co-operative Marketing Federations are the procuring agents for NAFED.

Organization has prescribed only one grade i.e. Fair Average Quality (FAQ) for procurement of pulses including Green gram under the Price Support Scheme.  All the purchases under the PSS by NAFED are made in accordance with the prescribed grade / specifications which are given in AnnexureIII

Annexure V

iii) Specifications under Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA):

A.18.06.07-MOONG WHOLE:

            Moong whole shall consist of seeds of Green gram (Phaseolous aureus Roxb., Phaseolous radiatus (Roxb.).  It shall be sound, dry, sweet, wholesome and and free from admixture of unwholesome substances. It shall also conform to the following standards, namely: -

(i)     Moisture –                      Not more than 14 per cent by weight (obtained by heating the pulverised grains at 130°C - 133°C for two hours).

(ii)   Foreign matter-             (Extraneous matter) – Not more than 1 per cent by weight of which not more than 0.25 per cent by weight shall be mineral matter and not more than 0.10 per cent by weight shall be impurities of animal origin.

(iii) Other edible grains – Not more than 4 per cent by weight.

(iv)  Damaged grains --      Not more than 5 per cent by weight.

(v)    Weevilled grains  –     Not more than 5 per cent by count

(vi)  Uric acid –                   Not more than 100 mg per kilogram

(vii) Aflatoxin –                  Not more than 30 micrograms per kilogram.

            Provided that the total of foreign matter, other edible grains and damaged grains shall not exceed 9 per cent by weight.

A.18.06.10 – SPLIT PULSE (DAL):

Dal Moong shall consist of split seeds of pulse (Phaseolous aureus Roxb., Phaseolous radiatus Roxb.)..)].  It shall be sound, dry, sweet, wholesome and free from admixture of unwholesome substances. It shall also conform to the following standards, namely: -

(i)           Moisture –                      Not more than 14 per cent by weight (obtained by heating the pulverised pulses at 130°C - 133°C for two hours).

(ii)         Foreign matter --           (Extraneous matter) – Not more than 1 per cent by weight of which not more than 0.25 per cent by weight shall be mineral matter and not more than 0.10 per cent by weight shall be impurities of animal origin.

(iii)       Other edible grains – Not more than 4 per cent by weight.

(iv)        Damaged grains –      Not more than 5 per cent by weight.

(v)          Weevilled grains –      Not more than 3 per cent by count

(vi)        Uric acid –                   Not more than 100 mg per kilogram

(vii)      Aflatoxin –                   Not more than 30 micrograms per kilogram.

            Provided that the total of foreign matter, other edible grains and damaged grains shall not exceed 8 per cent by weight.