Living a Legacy: The Multipurpose Ramie Grass

 Among the foothills of Meghalaya, a state in Eastern India, lies a cluster of villages of people whose very own ancestral roots trace to the use of a multipurpose, versatile and sustainable crop, the Ramie grass.




The Ramie grass can be seen in almost every corner of those villages, found in clothing, food and nets. The leaves of the Ramie plant are used in curries, and pakora, a deep-fried savory dish made with the Ramie leaves dipped in dough. 

The Ramie plant has been traditionally used as fishing nets in the Tura region after being woven since it was the most versatile crop growing among the West Garo hills.

Modern designers have also opted to used the Ramie grass in a multitude of fashion choices. The plant's fibres are extracted to be used to make cloth. The fibre used is durable and strong, and comes with high elasticity. The fibres of the ramie plant has not only captured the attention of modern designers, but also of traditional artisans, who spin and weave the fibre to create baskets and mats.

The Ramie Grass is living proof that is not only the individuals of today, but also the cultures from the past who have learnt to embrace the beauty and fragility of Earth, using its resources for the best. It stands true till today for all the uses it has served, and its duty, both to the villagers of Meghalaya and our very own Earth.

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