The Indian Coir Association has emphasised the need to formulate a comprehensive strategy to sustain the growth in the coir industry.
Addressing the 54th annual general meeting, Mr John Chacko, chairman of ICA, called upon the State government and the Coir Board to chalk out suitable measures to bail out the industry, which is currently passing through a crisis.
Challenges
He pointed out that a sudden spurt in demand for coir fibre from China had resulted in doubling of raw material prices. This has also affected the quality of the raw material available today. Besides, the industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled labourers following the migration of workers to other sectors.
This, combined with the recession and slowing down of many of the key markets, has resulted in a drop in exports of traditional products, Mr Chacko added.
Exports
The export of coir fibre touched 83,400 tonnes last year from 9,300 tonnes in 2006-07. Last year, exports of coir pith also increased to 158,000 tonnes from 67,000 tons in 2006-07. In comparison, exports of handloom mats have decreased from 43,000 tonnes in 2006-07 to 29,500 tonnes last year, Mr Chacko said.
In order to modernise, he said, the industry needs funds such as the Technology Upgradation Fund that had been given to the textile industry. Both Coir Board and the State government have to work with the MSME Ministry to facilitate this, he added.
Mr Chacko also stressed on the need to develop spinning machines that can substantially increase productivity and help the workers earn higher wages.
New markets
Prof G. Balachandran, chairman of the Coir Board, called upon industry players to enhance their marketing efforts and to look out for new markets to garner more revenues. He outlined various difficulties facing the industry and requested all the key players to work together to solve the outstanding issues.
He said that the Board would soon organise a Coir Expo in Alappuzha to showcase products made out of coir as well as to highlight the achievements made by CCRI, the research wing of the Coir Board.