Infinted units of Ricei and Shivamog in Shivamogg. | GT SASTHISH
Workers who dissipate heat are busy produced by the production of inflated rice. Several of them began their work at 2 am that they look tired but continue to work. While one group manages furnace, several of them are busy by wrapping the final product. This is a scene for inflated rice that produces a unit in Sulebail in Shivamogg.
“We have to work hard for a long time to get quality Mandakki (inflated rice),” says Madha, who belongs to the family who owns unit. His family has been in this business for more than 40 years. These days, children in the family were involved in a family business and forced them to surrender their studies soon. “I studied up to class 7. But I wish my children study well. They should get a good job,” mistake.
Mandaakki or inflated rice is a common ingredient for various favorite snacks. A mixture of inflated rice combined with spices and roasted peanuts is one of the popular consumed refreshments in many parts of Karnataka. The process of making inflated rice is complicated and demanding to work. It requires trained workers who know how to soak rice, maintain moisture and heat it at perfect temperature.
The IR 1010 parboiled rice is suitable for the production of inflated rice. The variety is widely grown in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The creators provide the basic raw material – rice – paying around 2,200 GBP per quintal. They remove the skin and clean the rice before soaking. The soaked rice is dried and fed into an inflated machine. Once cooled, the final product is packed immediately to prevent the absorption of moisture. The process starts at 2 o’clock in the morning and ends in the afternoon. The company has many buyers in the district of Shivamogg and its surroundings.
Only a few years ago at least eight units were active in Shivamogg. There are only three active at present – they all belonged to a widespread family. Of these, the small unit acts on Seegehatti and two more in Sulebail. Chandramma, the wife of Dharmanny, who owns one unit at Seegehatti, said that even after spent four decades in this area, her family had hard to earn significant profits over the years.
S. Raja, owner of Slovakia Mandakki, Sulebail companies in Shivamogg, said that over the years people have lost interest in running a unit because it was not easy work. “We continue with it because our families have been doing it for decades. My grandfather and my father started it. But I’m not sure if my children will continue,” he plasters.
According to Rajo, the operation of the unit requires a lot of investment. On the working day, the total cost would be around one lacha. Includes non -peeled costs, workers’ payment, fuel for furnace, machine maintenance and electricity.
“We run a unit because it gives work to several people, except for feeding our family. But we can’t continue with it for a long time.” The government should support small units that create jobs, by offering easy loans, “he said.
Published – June 11, 2025 21:34
