The R&D centre of National Coir Research Management Institute here has stepped up research for technology inputs and solutions for the coir sector.
The Advanced Centre for Automated Microbial Characterisation is working on identifying strains of bacteria and fungi that can improve the colour and texture of coir strands.
The microbial analyser here can identify microorganisms at the strain level using their physical characteristics and genetic make-up. Micro-organisms provide the best means to process raw coir fibre and increase productivity without polluting the environment, says C. K. Peethambaran, former director of research, Kerala Agricultural University.
Related work gets outsourced to research stations outside the State causing wastage of time and effort. The analyser takes care of this problem, he added.