Concerned over stagnant production of coir products: Minister

Despite a 17 percent increase in export of coir products in 2015-16, stagnant production for the past few years remains an area of concern, Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra said here today.

Inaugurating the fourth edition of India International Coir Fair (IICF), organised by Coir Board, he said the volume of India's coir products exports to 115 countries had increased by 17 percent and 20 percent in value terms in 2015-16.

However, the point of concern is stagnant production of coir and the Coir Board should coordinate with other stakeholders to enhance productivity and coverage of coconut production, he added.

"The government is very much concerned about this sector as coir and its products have a bright future and we should be well prepared to reap its benefits," he said.

Tracing the history of coir, Mishra said it has been part of India's civilization since time immemorial. The English word coir originated from Tamil and Malayalam word 'Kayar'.

In an era of nano technology and artificial fibres and substances, this historical natural fibre still has relevance, he said.

Coir and its products have found utility even in the construction of roads, canal embankment, furniture and flooring material and fishing nets, while coir geo textile is emerging in all fields, thus making coir more relevant in the coming years, he said.

Noting that women participation in coir industry is about 80 percent, Mishra said the promotion of the sector means women empowerment through employment.

He also asked the board to utilise several schemes for technology upgradation and quality improvement which could be of immense benefit to entrepreneurs working in the sector.

Coir Board Chairman C P Radhakrishan said the board proposed to double exports in the next three years from about Rs 1,900 crore at present.