There is a need to ensure easier access to credit and modern technology to boost the coir industry, President Pranab Mukerjee said here on Monday.
Inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Coir Board, Mukerjee said: “I would very much like to see this industry become self-reliant in terms of raw material procurement; and I would urge employers to ensure that the workers engaged in this industry are provided enhanced support through the insurance and welfare schemes of Government.”
The industry employs about seven lakh workers, predominantly women, in more than 14 States and Union Territories and is amongst the foremost foreign exchange earning industries.
The Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (Independent Charge), K.H. Muniyappa, congratulated the Coir Board for popularising the eco-friendly natural fibre, adding that the industry had been playing a pivotal role in the development of the rural economy in coconut-producing States.
Listing out the latest technologies and machinery, the Minister the latest addition was a versatile spinning machine which could produce large quantities of coir yarn without core thread to make products, such as coir jackets, chappals, umbrellas, curtains etc.
The Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Shashi Tharoor, called for the need for a brand ambassador for coir to globally spread the Board’s activities.
He also stressed the need to raise the level of income in the coir industry, stem the below-par achievements of mechanisation and kindle interest among youngsters to join the traditional sector.
Professor Balachandran, Chairman, Coir Board, said the Board was working on combining coir with other natural fibres such as silk, jute and sisal to bringing out more innovative products.
“That day is not far when coir will find a place in the manufacturing of moulded furniture, TV cabinets and car dash-boards,” he added.