KARACHI: The first automatic Russian nan-bakery plant will be set up in Karachi and is expected to go into production early next year.

The Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan has accepted two applications for loans to import the nan-bakery plants from the Soviet Union, while three loan applications are under consideration. Some applications have also been filed with the branches of the Bank in other cities.

The first nan-bakery plant is expected to be installed in the industrial area of the City to cater to the needs of the labourers. A majority of the labourers, who have migrated to the city from upcountry without their families, will be relieved of cooking their own nans.

According to estimates, each plant will cost about Rs 6,00,000, machinery worth Rs 3,00,000, building worth Rs 2,00,000 and miscellaneous expenditure Rs 1,00,000. The building can be built on a plot of about 650 square yards, with the electricity requirements of 70 volts. Only six workers can man the plant. The oven is heated with infrared rays. Between 30,000 to 50,000 nans can be baked in 24 hours in each plant — each nan weighing between two to three chattaks, cost paisa 15 to 30.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2018