Chana or chickpea or Bengal gram or gram is an ancient crop that marked its origination even before 10000 B.C. It is said to be one of the oldest pulses known and cultivated in Asia and Europe. Chana belongs to family Leguminoseae. There are two main varieties of gram. The varieties of gram are separated on the basis of the seed size, color and taste. Two of those varieties, namely Desi Gram (Cicer arietinum) and Kabuli Gram (Cicer kabulium), as they are termed in India, are very important in terms of usage and commercial purposes. Desi gram is the main type grown in India.

Chana / Gram is the world’s third most-important food legume crop. It accounts for 13% share in world’s pulses production India is the largest producer of chana with a share of 67 percent of world output. Other major chana producing countries are Pakistan, Turkey, Australia, Iran, Ethiopia and Myanmar. More than 90% of the chickpeas are consumed in the countries where they are produced. Developing countries like India and Pakistan import to meet the shortages from countries like Australia and Canada.

Gram is the most important of pulse crops grown in India, ranking fourth among the grain crops in acreage and production. The major producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. These constitute nearly 80% of total production. Madhya Pradesh is the largest gram producing state in India.

Gram is cultivated as a Rabi crop. The peak arrivals can be seen during February-April across the country. Among various markets in the country, Indore & Delhi are the major trading centers for Gram. The prices at Delhi are higher than Indore throughout period since produce arrives from different parts of the country and transportation cost involves in the prices.