MYSORE: Russian dosas or Italian idlis could soon form newer genres of haute cuisine, courtesy, Mysore-based CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute) that is behind the technology for automatic dosa and idli making machines, that has been making waves across countries such as Russia, Italy and Singapore, not to mention its popularity in various parts of India.
The technology has been incorporated in the design of two new aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy Service (INS), which is currently under fabrication. Bangalorebased Esskay Enterprises holds the patent for the machines and is supplying them directly to countries such as Russia and Italy.
A team of experts from Esskay had visited Russia recently and met the Director of Aircraft Carrier Project (DACP) to obtain specifications for the machines, that culminated in the export of six dosa and three idli making machines, which will be installed in December this year.
Two dosa machines which will be installed in a multistoried ship, with seven food courts in Italy are also under fabrication.
At the behest of INS, the design of these machines has been altered to include stainless steel, in contrast to the normal wheel-based machines.
Custom-made programmes are included for easier operation.
Indian Railway, a potential customer?
Krishna Murthy, proprietor, Esskay enterprises, told Express that he had approached Union Minister of State for Railways KH Muniyappa with regard to the adoption of these machines in pantry compartments of major trains, as a pilot project.
The proposal needs approval from the Director of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Cor porat i o n (IRCTC). Murthy suggested the state government to adopt the machines in hostels as done in Tamil Nadu.
CFTRI director V Prakash felt that a huge demand always exists for traditional food making machines.
"We are keeping in mind the development of smallscale enterprises while granting patents," he added.
None other than the Indian Army has come forward to adopt such machines to cater to the needs of about 30,000 members and above on a daily basis.
Hourly throughputs of about 400 to 1,200 dosas can be obtained. The response has been so unequivocal that students now prefer the machine- made dosas and idlis to man-made ones!