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The State government is seeking technological inputs to deal with issues of production and quality in the coir sector.
This is borne out of the realisation that adoption of modern practices and technology is crucial for survival of traditional industries, according to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, while inaugurating the Advanced Centre for Automated Microbial Characterisation at the National Coir Research Management Institute here.
The new facility is part of ongoing efforts to enhance research and development primarily in the coir sector across the State to meet growing competition in this field.
It enables automated identification and characterisation of microorganisms; the current technology used is time consuming and laborious.
JOB CREATOR
The coir sector, which provides employment for lakhs of people, is facing challenges on multiple fronts, including critical shortage of raw material.
The prime objective is to improve the lot of people whose livelihood is dependent on this sector, the Chief Minister said.
Minister for Revenue and Coir Adoor Prakash, who presided over the inaugural function, said research at the new facility would focus on softening coir fibres to improve their quality.
Coir will not be the only industry benefiting, since the laboratory has plans to extend research and development activities on behalf other sectors, particularly agriculture.
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