Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Hyderabad Revives Naturally-Coloured Cotton Heritage
In Hyderabad, a man named Ramesh Ramanadham is working hard to bring back a special kind of cotton that comes in natural colors like red, green, blue, and pink.
This cotton is different from the usual white cotton because it doesn't need any artificial dyes, which helps the environment.
Ramesh grows this cotton on tall plants, up to 18 feet high, unlike the shorter plants used for regular cotton.
He wants to keep this tradition alive and help the skilled weavers who make clothes from this special cotton.
A French author, Maud Lerayer, is also helping by writing about this cotton and trying to connect it with fashion brands around the world.
This way, more people can learn about and enjoy these beautiful, naturally-colored fabrics.
Ramesh Ramanadham is reviving naturally-coloured cotton cultivation in Hyderabad, India.
He grows red and green cotton varieties, with plans to restore others like blue, pink, and Kala cotton.
Naturally-coloured cotton reduces pollution by eliminating the need for textile dyeing.
Organic cotton yields are lower (4-6.5 quintals/acre) compared to BT cotton (10-12 quintals/acre).
Maud Lerayer, a French author, is documenting the cotton and aims to connect weavers with global fashion brands.
- Who
- Ramesh Ramanadham, a Hyderabad-based craft revivalist and designer, along with Maud Lerayer, a French author.
- What
- Reviving and sustaining the cultivation of naturally-coloured cotton and Khadi weaving.
- When
- Ramesh has been working on this for the last decade.
- Where
- Hyderabad, India, with historical ties to Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- To preserve traditional cotton varieties and reduce pollution from textile dyeing.
- Location
- Hyderabad, India
- Initiator
- Ramesh Ramanadham
- Cotton Varieties
- Red, Green, Blue, Pink, Kala
- Yield Comparison
- Organic: 4-6.5 quintals/acre, BT: 10-12 quintals/acre
- Documenter
- Maud Lerayer
- Cotton Plant Height
- Organic: 15-18 feet, BT: 3-6 feet
- Environmental Benefit
- Reduces textile dyeing pollution