Pulses are consumed as Dal, an integral part of Indian diet both for the vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Pulses are considered the most economical sources of protein for human consumption and are popularly known as “Poor man’s meat” and “rich man’s vegetable”, contribute significantly to the nutritional security of the country. Pulses contain 18-25% of protein, double the protein content of wheat and three times that of rice. India is the largest producer as well as consumer of pulses in the world as ninety per cent of the produce is consumed locally. Chickpeas (Chana), Pigeonpeas (Arhar / Toor Dal), Urad (Urad Dal), Mung (Moong) and Red lentils (Masoor) are the top five major pulses grown in India. These pulses account for over 80 per cent of the total production in the country. The conversion of pulses seed into Dal is done through the process of milling. Milling of pulses has been in practice as a tiny-scale rural operation since ancient times. The traditional method of Dal milling is very cumbersome and produces inferior quality Dal with lesser yield resulting in lesser benefit compared to large scale Dal mills. But large scale Dal milling units need huge capital investment, power and raw material to gain economic stability.

With the availability of Mini Dal Mill units in the market with 50-300 Kg per hour capacity which can process all pulses including minor pulses that too in limited investment, many farmers/ entrepreneurs are coming forward for setting up Mini Dal Mill units. The losses usually incurred by the traditional mills can be minimized to a great extent by the use of improved technology of Mini Dal Mills. The steps involved for processing of pulses under modern Dal mills are cleaning and grading, drying, loosening of husk, dehusking, splitting and finally polishing. The process of de-husking is done in two major steps. In the first step, the cleaned and size-graded grains are scarified followed by oil addition and sun/mechanical drying. Then, in the second step, the removal of husk and splitting of the two cotyledons are done by passing the material through versatile pulse de-husker. This de-husker gives 2-4% higher yield of good quality Dal than the traditional Dal mill. Dal milling is one of the most profitable business opportunities in the agro-processing industry. However, the overall success and profitability of a Dal mill unit would depend on the regular supply of raw materials. Therefore, a Dal mill should be located in the large-scale pulses growing areas and should not be far from the market.

In India, a significant number of population are vegetarians and pulses are considered the main source of protein for them. Along with proteins, pulses are also a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, dietary fibres etc. Consumption of pulses in 2020 increased in the retail channel despite COVID-19 induced lockdown and it is the large consumer base in India that represents a major driver for the pulses market. From a population of around 1.39 Billion as on April 2021, the Indian population is expected to exceed 1.5 Billion by 2030. This is expected to create a huge demand for food during the period, driving the consumption of pulses in the country. Additionally, apart from being the staple food for people, pulses have found applications in the food processing industry. Pulses flour is considered to be healthier as compared to wheat flour and has been replacing the latter in making snacks and confectionary items to produce healthier food options for health-conscious consumers. Similarly, pulses are also being increasingly used in the ready to eat and snack food industry. As a result of increasing urbanisation and busy lifestyles, healthy ready-to-eat snack foods are becoming increasingly popular with consumers in the country. Accordingly, the demand for pulses will never end but will increase in an increasing rate with increase in population day by day in near future.

A Project Report is not only essential for obtaining financial assistance from Bank/ Financial Institution/Funding Agency but also the most important document either to participate in the development schemes of MSME Sector/ Department of Industries or in completing various time consuming government formalities connected with planning and commercial operation of the proposed business project.

This Detail Project Report (DPR)/ Business Plan has been developed in a well-structured PDF Format (Easy to Download, Convert into MS WORD through www.pdftoword.com, Edit for Personalised Customisation and Finally Printing the Report) to be presented as a Ready Project Proposal immediately thereby saving precious time of the promoter in the process of completing requisite formalities in anticipation of setting up the business project. Accordingly, following Project Templates has been deliberately left blank in order to facilitate customisation by the perspective entrepreneurs based on personal requirements and furnish necessary information on actual basis.

§ Project at a Glance                                     :             To be Filled Up as per Personal Requirements.

[Total Capital Expenditure, Working Capital, Estimated Cost of the Project, Amount of Bank Loan, Amount of Equity Capital and Amount of applicable Margin Money Subsidy – (Urban/Rural /General Category/ Special Category)].

§ General Information and Location          :             To be Furnished in the Blank Space.

[Name of the Unit/Firm, Address of the Proposed Project Location, Size of the Space Available and Occupancy under Ownership/Lease Agreement].

§ Promoter’s Background                            :             To be Furnished in the Blank Space.

[Name of the Promoter, Age, Communication Address, Educational Qualification, Work Experience and Special Training Attended, if Any].

 The Project Report/ Business Plan so presented include all the important aspects containing the following details;

CONTENTS

1.   Project at a Glance

2.    Highlights of the Project

3.    Project Introduction

4.    The Project Proposal

5.    The Products and its Uses

6.    Prospect for Investment

7.    Potential Target Customers/Market

8.    Market Entry Strategy

9.    Process Details and Technical Aspect

10. Installed and Operational Capacity

11. Quality Control and Standards

12. Raw Materials and Consumables

13. Power and Utility

14. Tentative Implementation Schedule

15. Basis & Presumptions

16. Capital Investment Estimates with Detail Project Economics

17. Computation of Working Capital Requirement

18. Estimated Total Project Investment

19. Proposed Means of Project Financing

20. Estimated Annual Sales Turnover

21. Projected Profitability Statement

22. Calculation of Interest Amount

23. Depreciation Schedule

24. Term Loan Repayment Schedule

25. Debt Service Coverage Ratio

26. Break-Even Analysis

27. Projected Cash Flow Statement

28. Projected Balance Sheet

29. Internal Rate Return

30. Pay Back Period

The presentation also supplements with important facts and useful information covering the areas as indicated below; 

LIST OF ANNEXURES

1.   Basics of Food Processing Business

2.   Indian Food Processing Industry- Current Scenario and Recent Govt. Initiatives

3.   Statutory Permits and Business Licenses required for the Project

4.   Beginner’s Guide to Start the Project

5.   Smart Tips to Identify Suitable Project Location

6.   Critical Success Factors in Food Processing Business and

7.   Marketing Strategy and Promotional Ideas to Boost the Sale of the Business.

LIST OF ENCLOSURES

ENCLOSURE-1: E-BOOK ON PMFME SCHEME, MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES, GOVT. OF INDIA.

ENCLOSURE-2: LATEST LIST OF “ONE DISTRICT ONE PRODUCT” (ODOP) FOR 713 DISTRICTS OF 35 STATES/UNION TERRITORIES UNDER PMFME SCHEME, MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES, GOVT. OF INDIA.

Thus the information provided would help in identifying in advance the infrastructure/resources required for the Project and approach the concerned government agencies accordingly. Hence, it becomes a complete document for further action towards realising the dream of becoming an entrepreneur.