The continuous ragi mudde making machine, developed by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), has become an instant hit with a steady stream of inquisitive visitors thronging the institute to catch a glimpse of the innovation that makes the region’s much-loved food.
Two days after its launch, the fully automated machine has generated a lot of curiosity among hostels, hospitals, hotels, and educational institutions, witnessing a high footfall. Perhaps, the institute has never seen such an awe-inspiring response to its technology within hours of its launch.
“The interest that the machine has created has surprised us. There has been a steady stream of curious visitors coming to us to know the innovation and how it can be adopted by them. The machine has been designed keeping in mind the local food interests,” CFTRI Director Ram Rajashekaran told The Hindu .
He said CFTRI designed the machine with funding from the Department of Science and Technology as there was a request from the public on developing a technology that could constantly make ragi mudde (finger millet ball) without much human intervention.
Ragi mudde is a traditional food largely consumed in south Karnataka, and a few other parts of south India. Ragi is considered a “wonder food” because of its low Glycemic index and nutrients like calcium, iron, and dietary fibre. From small children to the elderly, ragi is considered one of the best foods. The traditional method involves cooking ragi powder in hot water and stirring it with a wooden stick. This traditional method is practised in household level, according to CFTRI.
With ragi mudde gaining popularity and being served in many big restaurants, hostels, and even in jails, CFTRI felt the need for standardising the ragi mudde making process and mechanisation to serve a large population of society. It was eventually conceptualised and materialised recently. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda had recently inaugurated the machine, which requires ragi powder and water to make the mudde. Steam quality and other working parameters of the machine are maintained within the range by the control system of the machine. The unit can be cleaned easily. Mr. Rajashekaran said ragi mudde can be cooked fast and untouched by human elements. Ragi powder and water is added to the machine and ragi balls come out as a continuous discharge with consistent shape and weight. The machine can produce 250 muddes an hour and one person is enough to operate the machine.
