Indigo Harvesting - June 2019
The cultivation of indigo in the El Tular community has increased in area and volume. In collaboration with local cooperative Aňil Cielo Azul and with technical assistance from Bálsamo, El Tular is taking part in pilot trials of indigo production under the EU project ‘From producer to consumer: an added-value chain for indigo, coffee and vegetables’. Harvesting and in-field extraction of the latest crop took place this June, with El Tular participants working alongside Aňil Cielo Azul .
Indigo plantation
1 Silas with indigo plant
2 Indigo field view
3 Indigo harvesting
4 Indigo
5 Indigo washing
6 Indigo draining
Example of an indigo finished product (not from this project)
Indigo powder is a scarce, sought-after product and there is insufficient land capacity to satisfy demand. The aim is to increase worldwide sales of indigo powder produced in El Salvador. While most demand is for the powder, the project also explored export options for the design and production of clothes and handicrafts.