Aragalur

Thalaivasal News

Colour cottons back in demand

L.N. Revathy

COIMBATORE, Jan. 21 - 2003

AFTER a lull, the demand for the naturally coloured cotton is on the rise again. This time around, the demand is not just from the eco-conscious consumers in the West, but from renowned textile houses in India as well.

Colour cotton cultivation practices had more or less been given up since no one bothered to exploit the technique or procure the cotton. Reports however indicate that this naturally coloured fibre was being imported from Sudan and Africa.

The growing interest for eco-friendly products worldwide, coupled with the ban imposed on azo dyes and other chemicals has kindled the hopes of the growers, who had taken to cultivation of the naturally-coloured cotton in a big way in the late 90s.

Coloured cotton was raised in Sulur, Avinashi and Pongalur belt in Coimbatore district and Thalaivasal near Athur in Salem district. The expansion was rapid. Within three years — between 1995 and 1998, the area surged to over 350 acres.

Then came the big blow. Although the growers were keen to raise the fibre, considering the assurance on the buy-back and the premium rates that was offered for the produce, the offtake slipped. Companies that earlier promised to procure the produce refused to accept the same citing some difference in the end-fibre level norms.

The scientific community was also sceptical about the colour cotton technology. Even now, doubts loom large on the consistency of the colour. Says Dr S. Ramarethinam, Executive Director (Projects), T. Stanes and Co, ``variations in colour are due to factoral variables. The white knots are bound to be there.''

It is now reliably learnt that there is a huge demand for the fibre, with the European countries preferring to use it in making carry bags, since it is a biodegradable material.

``It is not just on the export front. Leading textile houses in India have evinced keen interest in procuring the naturally coloured cotton,'' Dr Ramarethinam told Business Line.

Replying to a query on seed availability, he said, ``currently we have 9 tonnes of seeds. But within the next two years, we will be able to supply seeds for a few 1,000 hectares.''

Dr Ramarethinam saidthe Government, he said could offer some support/incentive to strengthen production of such specialised cotton that was in demand and quoting a premium in the international market.