Barmer, June 23 -- For the first time in India, a plant once dismissed as a wild, thorny shrub dotting Rajasthan's arid landscape-Aak (Calotropis procera)-is being rediscovered as a natural treasure, a research conducted by the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA). Traditionally valued for its medicinal and religious uses, Aak is now emerging as a sustainable, high-quality source of natural fibre, ideal for making warm clothing and even military-grade gear, the study has revealed. This desert plant, which grows freely on barren, uncultivated land without irrigation or fertilizers, is fast becoming a viable alternative crop for rural farmers, officials from NITRA said, adding that its potential lies in the soft, insulating fibre found inside its green, mango-shaped fruit. The fibre is extremely lightweight, fine, and capable of providing thermal protection in sub-zero conditions. According to the research conducted by NITRA, Aak fibre can be used to manufacture products like sleeping bags and jackets that can withstand temperatures as low as -40degC. Its insulation is comparable to imported high-performance fibres, but with the added advantage of being locally sourced and biodegradable. "The fibre extracted from Calotropis is ultralight, breathable, and provides thermal insulation that can match synthetic materials," says Dr MS Parmar, director general of NITRA. "It can help reduce dependency on imported fibres, while creating sustainable rural livelihoods," Parmar said. Aak's value does not stop at its fibre. The plant is self-sustaining-it grows naturally in Rajasthan's hot, dry climate and can survive for up to 10 years once established. It requires no special care, making it an ideal crop for farmers with limited resources. With minimal investment, farmers can harvest the plant's fruit annually, offering a reliable source of income from otherwise unused land. To bring this innovation to the ground, social worker and fashion designer Ruma Devi and her foundation have launched a grassroots campaign to collect around 150 quintals of Aak fruit across Rajasthan. With training in fibre extraction and handling, rural women's groups and farmers are now being introduced to this natural resource as an additional income source. "This is a perfect example of how local knowledge, scientific research, and community action can come together to create economic and environmental impact," says Vikram Singh, secretary of Ruma Devi Foundation, an NGO that works for the empowerment of rural communities. She said that Aak's transformation from a wild weed to a valuable raw material is opening new doors for green innovation in India's textile industry. It not only offers farmers an additional income source but also promotes sustainable manufacturing practices at a time when the global fashion industry is seeking alternatives to synthetic fibres. She further said, as research, awareness, and rural training expand, this native desert shrub may soon stand at the center of India's push for sustainable, home grown textile solutions-proving that sometimes, the most valuable resources grow where no one is looking....