Indigo is a natural dye extracted from Indigofera tinctoria, commonly used for dyeing fabrics and preparing hair oil. This crop is not labour-intensive, requires minimal protection, and can be intercropped with other plants. Farmers can harvest indigo leaves three times within nine months, consisting of one main crop and two ratoons. The yield of fresh leaves is approximately 3,000 kg per acre, producing around 12 kg of dye, which sells for about Rs. 2,500 per kg. Additionally, indigo seeds are priced at Rs. 350 per kg, providing an additional profit opportunity for farmers.
To enhance crop yield and income generation, MCRC aims to improve sustainable farming practices and the dye extraction process. Traditional indigo extraction relies on manual mixing for aeration, but MCRC has developed a modified impeller-type aerator that provides rapid and even agitation, improving dye release. Furthermore, the fermentation process is enhanced by incorporating specific microbes such as Pseudomonas spp., Trichoderma spp., Pythium spp., and Rhodospirillum rubrum, along with enzymes like amylase and cellulase.