• In what could be a landmark innovation, scientists at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (IGKV) have developed yarn of linen cloth from flax plant – a first in India. 
• So far, Indian linen fabric manufacturers have had to import yarn due to its unavailability in India.
• Aiming to increase the yield of linseed, which is another name for flax seed, IGKV scientists carried research and used the stem of linseed plant to develop the linen yarn.
• The development of this yarn under the research project is expected to boost the handloom.
• The university will continue to pitch in the research to farmers so that it not only fetches them additional income but bring about reformative changes in the textile industry.

Linseed Innovation

• In Chhattisgarh, linseed is cultivated in the tribal-dominated districts of Kanker, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Kawardha and Mungali across an area of 3,000 hectare.
• Apart from the flax seeds fetching INR 6,000 per quintal, the additional use of the stem for linen production would help farmers as well.
• The extracted yarn can also be used to make paper, decorative and handicraft items, which would boost Chhattisgarh’s handloom and handicraft industry.

Source:TimesofIndia