Pulses are a range of crops that are known to be amongst the richest resources for human protein in take, apart from soybean and other forms in which it is found naturally. Being a major source of proteins, fibre, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, they are extremely nutritious and healthy. They have very low fat content and ideal for diets. India is one of the major exporters of pulses and dhals, as its most fertile soil and dry climate suits best for pulses cultivation. Indian pulses and dhals have uniform and consistent colour, texture, flavour and taste. In fact, in India pulses is one of the major food types for the essentially vegetarian populace, because of its rich protein content.

In India, these are consumed in the form of dal, which are actually pulses decorticated and split. However, though rich in proteins these seeds do not contain every one of the essential amino acids and therefore are consumed with cereals.