ABSTRACT
A need for mechanisation of one or more operations or the entire process of chapatti/flatbread making has emerged in modern India. Working women and working professionals living away from the family no longer have the time and/or skill for flatbread making but continue to consume chapatti as the staple bread for almost every meal. There are huge business opportunities in this area; small- and large-scale manufacturers of ready-to-cook (RTC) and ready-to-eat (RTE) flatbreads can cater to masses through retail and to restaurants and canteens of educational institutes, hospitals and offices. This chapter explains the steps involved in flatbread making and the equipment available for mechanisation of the process. Equipment available for domestic use to simplify and speed up flatbread making is discussed. They include domestic flour mills, dough kneaders, roti maker or chapatti press. Semi-automatic and fully automatic machines for commercial flatbread production, such as dough mixers, dough balling and sheeting machines, baking and puffing units and all-inclusive, automated single units are explained. Further, studies on engineering aspects of flatbread making and the challenges to be overcome for the success of mechanisation are discussed.
