India, Oct. 1 -- Aak (Calotropis gigantea), a plant found in dry and semi-arid regions, has traditionally been used to make ropes, charpoys, quilts, pillows and agricultural tools.

The Maru Meghwal community and farmers of western Rajasthan have preserved the indigenous craft of extracting and weaving fibre from aak bark for generations.

The traditional process involves drying the branches, removing the bark, soaking it in buttermilk and spinning it into threads of varying thicknesses.

Despite its cultural significance and practical uses, aak cultivation and traditional fibre-weaving skills are increasingly neglected.

Renewed demand for aak-based products could help preserve the craft while creating livelihood opportunities for desert...