Waffle towels made from Karunganj cotton, an indigenous cotton that Swaminathan V of Kaskom rehabilitated with farmers in Tamil Nadu.
Even in India, one of the cotton-producing countries, 96% of the cotton has already been replaced by genetically modified cotton from the U.S. Swaminathan has been researching the lost original cotton of Tamil Nadu and its potential, and has continued to work to persuade farmers to use it.
Karungani cotton has roots that are six feet long, so it can grow with only rainfall and groundwater. It does not require investment in special irrigation equipment, pesticides, or fertilizers, so even small-scale farmers can start producing it. By intercropping it with coriander or kalonji, the risk of production can be dispersed, and it has been found that it can be harvested about three times a year.
Although the farmers were skeptical at first, they are now finding joy in being able to earn a second income and be involved in producing cotton, which is said to have originally grown on their land.
Karunganj cotton is high in oil and has a moist feel.
It may seem to have low absorbency at first, but with repeated washing it will become more absorbent and will take on the stretchiness unique to native cotton.
Since it is undyed and unbleached, you can feel the texture of the cotton itself.
Photo by Haruhi Okuyama @okuyama_haruhi
We also carry plain weave fabrics. Please feel free to contact us.
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