The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), a premier CSIR Lab in Mysuru, which provided two continuous ‘ragi mudde’ making machines to Indira Canteens in Bengaluru, has been asked to supply 35 more such machines.
Each machine produces around 250 muddes an hour and only one person was needed to operate a machine. With the machine turning out to be useful to meet the demand for ragi mudde in the canteens, the State government has sought supply of upgraded machines that will produce 1,500 to 2,000 ragi muddes constantly.
Speaking to presspersons on Monday, Jitendra Jadhav, director, CFTRI, said, “We have the technology that will be fine-tuned to cater to the needs of 35-40 canteens in Bengaluru city alone.”
The request for more machines indicates that people are happy with our technology which is user-friendly, he observed, and added that CFTRI had offered dosa, idli, and chapathi machines too to the canteens.
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.
CFTRI is developing a mobile food processing laboratory to value add to produce. The mobile laboratory, which is in developmental stages and is expected to be ready soon, is likely to be on display at the 8th International Food Convention (IFCON) which will be held at CFTRI campus from December 12 to 15.
Mr. Jadhav said the laboratory will give a complete solution to farmers on processing produce. This lab will be made available to farmers. If useful, more such mobile labs will be developed in other states, especially North India, he said. CFTRI has signed a MoU with the Maharashtra government for establishing food processing centres in districts. These centres will be equipped with technologies for processing pulses, turmeric, spice and other produces. “Out of 15 districts, these centres will initially be set up in five districts. We will help farmers adopt our technologies.”
Dr. Jadhav said the Telangana government has also come forward to take the help of CFTRI in setting up such centres to aid farmers. Telangana is keen on technologies for paddy processing.
