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LungJam: Bhimal Fibre to Yarn

Introduction

Bhimal or 'Bheonl' (Grewia Optiva - Oppositifolia (REF) an important agro forestry species growing in sub-tropical climate is native to the Indian sub continent, particularly in the north-west Himalayas. A small sized tree, it is a multi-purpose tree which provides leafy-green fodder during winter, fibre for rope and yarn making for domestic needs.

The Idea and IJIRA

After retirement as a teacher, late L. N. Sharma settled in his native village 'Ganga Bhogpur' and engaged himself in farming activities. In leisurely hours he used to produce hand-spun fine jute-like yarn from Bhimal Fibre called SEULU. This forced his son Dr. G. P. Sharma to think and an idea creeped in his mind - "How about this fibre to be spun mechanically on Jute-system?"

Three Stages of Bhimal Fibre Spun into Yarn

Stage - I: Laboratory Test

Almost four-and-half decade back, driven by this idea, in January 1978, Dr. Sharma managed to send about 3kgs Bhimal Fibre to India Jute industries and Research Association (IJIRA), Kolkatta (Known as Calcutta those days) for evaluation. they found it interesting and decided to test. the test results on the fibre indicated that they are somewhat softer, weaker and clinging more closely to one another than in case of Jute Fibres. however, the appearance of the ultimate cells was similar to that of Jute. IJIRA opined that it is not unlikely that this fibre can be used as a substitute for the jute at least in the coarser applications.

Stage II: Pilot Test

In the second phase, with a view to carryout pilot test i.e. spinning the fibre on Jute system, they asked for 10kgs fibre and if the test results are promising they will have to be followed up by 'Spinning Trials' requiring minimum 50kgs fibre. The report of pilot mill regarding the 'Spinnability' revealed that the samples of the fibre hold some promise for spinning into sacking well yarn, either by itself or even better when mixed with jute.

Stage III: Trial-Run - Spun into Yarn

In the last phase, based on the pilot test reports, large scale experiment was considered necessary to standardize the process of spinning Bhimal Fibre and to minimize the defects encountered. For this over 50kgs of the fibre was sent to IJIRA. Before undertaking more tests IJIRA officials sought more details regarding the availability of the fibre and its expected price per quintal. Satisfied with the information given by Dr. Sharma, they decided to continue with the trial-run.

Conclusion

Ultimately in March 1980, IJIRA informed Dr. Sharma that the trial-run with the fibre sent had since been spun into yarn. The yarns were wound into spools. Some mini-spools were sent to Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun, India and Royal Botanical Gardens. Kew, Richmond, UK where these have been kept as a reference collection. On Dr. Sharma's request, some of the samples were also sent to C. F institute, Oxford.

Future Research Possibilities

Further research work can be carried on in the following areas as it relates to Bhimal tree:

Oil from the bark has medicinal value and can be used as pain reliever (REF)
Bhimal tree bark has traditionally been used as hair cleanser aka Shampoo by the natives
Another area to be explored is for its use in Paper making

About the Researcher

Dr. G. P. Sharma

A native of Uttarakhand but born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh, Dr. G. P. Sharma is a retired professor of Commerce at Vikram University Ujjain.

He started his career in teaching in 1959 at Hamidiya College Bhopal (M.P.) India then moved onto other teaching assignments before joining Madhav College in 1963 with affiliation to Vikram University, Ujjain (M.P.) where he worked until his retirement.

With a keen interest in research and development work, Dr. Sharma who is a scholar and an avid reader has taken up many projects and has also guided many fellow professors and students for their research work.