Description

Navrangi or Naurangi Dal is a specialty pulse of Uttarkhand. It is rich in protein and dietary fibre and many important minerals like manganese, phosphorous, potassium, iron and copper, high in folates and the B-vitamins. Naurangi suggests that this crop has nine colours of grains. In Uttarakhand, it is usually cultivated under the multi-crop system in medium to high altitude hilly areas where other pulse crops fail to grow. It is a robust species of pulses which can tolerate drought as well as excessive rain. It is also resistant to grain pests and has a longer shelf life. The plant spreads over the ground with high density of leaves and vine. Thus, it contributes to soil conservation as it protects the soil from the direct exposure of sun and rain and retains moisture.