Kusuma Rajaiah earns 20-yr patent for 'Ahimsa silk'
18 Jul '06
2 min read
Patent for eco-friendly manufacturing of mulberry silkworm yarn has been granted to Kusuma Rajaiah by the controller of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications for 20 Years.
A technical officer of Andhra Pradesh Co-operative Society (APCO), he belongs to Warangal, Andhra Pradesh.
Yarn is rightly named 'Ahimsa silk fabric' signifying the method of producing yarn without killing the silkworm use to be done earlier on.
Moths were killed after being put in the boiling water for cocoons which was a horrible method, says Kusuma Rajaiah.
Rajaiah method consists of piercing the cocoon which allows them to fly out through the whole.
This process breaks the continuity of yarn which has to be spinned back to form into single thread.
However, since process involves hard labour, price of the product has increased.
Against the usual price of Rs2000 for a traditional, saree prepared via this method costs Rs4500.
On the other hand, 'Ahimsa silk' is not only softer but also finer than the usual silk.
He further plans to encourage fashion houses and big retail chains to store 'Ahimsa' since they are sold at high prices.
Commercialisation of the product is in the offing as well with National Institute of Fashion Technology collaborating with Rajaiah for the same.
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