The forest college and research institute of NAU has standardized the process of extracting four types of dye products from the commercially cultivable Achiote tree seeds. The Achiote tree is considered to be the second predominant dye yielding species in India.
The Achiote or Annatto tree grows in all types of soil but is more suitable for well-drained soil.
One tree would require around 60 liters of water per fortnight and produces seeds from 9 to 12 months after planting.
However, it can provide economic returns from the third year. The tree is commercially cultivated across around 500 hectares in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
The university is applying for a patent for a patent for the extraction protocol; they have four types of dye products. Scientists have also identified 30 more tree species, including Eucalyptus, Anogeissus latifolia, and Tectona grandis, from which they believe dyes can be extracted.
Dr. K. Kumaran, professor and head of the department of forest biology and tree improvement, said, “Over a period of 12 years, we have standardized silviculture or tree growing practices and dye extraction protocols through various government projects including from department of science and technology and department of biotechnology.”
With the increasing awareness of synthetic dyes’ health and environmental hazards, the old culture of textile dyeing with natural sources is coming back. Some people, concerned about human health and the environment, make efforts on a large scale to revive old dyeing culture with natural resources such as plant, insects, and minerals. These sources are not only biodegradable but also have medicinal properties with them.
Natural dye is a topic of international interest due to the increased awareness of various natural dyes’ properties.
Therefore, this green initiative highly encourages as dyes extracted from natural sources could reduce our environmental load.
