IPHT develops technology for millet noodles

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

The Institute of Post Harvest Technology (IPHT) in Anuradhapura has modified their existing technology to manufacture a 100 percent kurakkan (millet) noodles product shortly.

Project Officer B.D.M.P. Dissanayake said this product is of high nutritional value and in high demand in health conscious markets in Europe and Middle East.

He said the earlier technology resulted the high cost of manufacturing and therefore the IPHT had to go for this modification of technology.

The new system will increase the output of noodles from 75% to 90% and needs less water, and fuel. It needs less steam for drying and reduces labour for cleaning, maintenance and cost and depreciation cost.

The above advantages have led to reduce the production cost of noodles by 20 to 25 percent. The modification of the noodles process will help to manufacture finger millet noodles too.

Dissanayake said the Anuradhapura Kurakkan Growers' Association will have a steady market for their harvest with the launch of the new product.