The Hindu Business Line : Coir exports surpass Rs 600-cr target

Kochi, June 10 Coir exports from the country have surpassed the target of Rs 600 crore for the year 2008-09, touching Rs 640 crore despite global economic meltdown.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, the Coir Board Chairman, Mr V.S.Vijayaraghavan, said that export of coir and coir products registered an increase of 7.94 per cent in value terms and 6.59 per cent in terms of quantity in 2008-09.

A total of 199,924.93 tonnes worth Rs 639.97crore were exported during the period as against 187566.72 tonnes worth Rs 592.88 crore in 2007-08.

The Board has fixed an export target of Rs 700 crore for 2009-10 and 2.25 lakh tonnes in quantity.

It is exploring new markets and bringing out innovative products to achieve the target. Coir pith exports during 2008-09 accounted for 51 per cent of the total coir exports in terms of volume.

Market study

The Board, he said, has entrusted the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade with conducting a detailed market study on coir exports in European countries, largely affected by economic recession and suggest remedial measures to overcome the prevailing slump in demand. The report is to be submitted within the next 4-5 months.

Eco-jewellery designed by a German designer and coir composite board, a substitute for wood, are among the innovative products developed by the Board. The research and development of these products were done at the Central Coir Research Institute, Alappuzha, and Central Institute of Coir Technology, Bangalore.

The Board is implementing a modernisation scheme called ‘Remote’ (rejuvenation, modernisation and technology upgradation) involving a total outlay of Rs 243 crore in the 11th Plan.

The scheme envisages setting up of 4,000 spinning units and 3,200 household units.

Domestic market expansion is another focus area as it is of the order of Rs 1,500 crore, out of which Rs 1,100 crore consists of rubberised coir mattresses.

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