Ponduru Khadi, a traditional hand-spun and handwoven fabric from Ponduru village in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Ponduru Khadi

• Ponduru Khadi is a traditional handspun and handwoven cotton fabric produced in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
• It is renowned for its fine texture, durability, and natural finish.
• Indigenous Cotton Variety: Ponduru Khadi is made from short-staple hill cotton, a locally grown variety that is naturally resistant to pests.
  • Ponduru Khadi is made using hill cotton, punasa cotton, or red cotton
• Eco-Friendly Cultivation: The cotton is cultivated using chemical-free farming practices, making the fabric environmentally sustainable.

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Traditional Production Process

• Cotton Ginning Method: Cotton ginning is carried out using the jawbone of the indigenous Valuga fish, a practice unique to the Ponduru region.
• Manual Processing Stages: After ginning, the cotton is cleaned, carded, and converted into slivers, which are traditionally stored in dried banana stems.
• Hand Spinning and Weaving: The slivers are hand-spun using a rare single-spindle charkha with 24 spokes, followed by weaving on traditional handlooms.
  • Ponduru is the only place in India where spinners continue to use single-spindle charkhas with 24 spoke
• Village-Based Livelihood: Many artisans operate looms within their homes, making Ponduru Khadi deeply embedded in village life and local culture.

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