Coir sector rakes over Rs 1,300 cr from export till Jan 31

Coir sector raked in Rs 1,382 crore from exports till January end of the current fiscal, a top official said here today
The sector saw a boost in the ongoing financial despite a global recession, Coir Board Chairman C P Radhakrishnan said.
Exports clocked a revenue figure of a whopping Rs 1,382 crore till January 31, he said adding it will cross last year's revenue figure of Rs 1,630 crore by the end of this fiscal year ending tomorrow.
"Inspite of heavy recession, growth is there. Till January 31, we have already touched a revenue figure of Rs 1,382 crore. Definitely, we will cross last year's figure. We are optimistic about it," Radhakrishnan said.

China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, USA and Canada are the major export destinations.
He dismissed as "rumours" reports that headquarters of Coir Board will be shifted from Kerala.

"There is no such move. We are here to improve the business. We don't want to do politics in development," he said.
Citing the quality of rural roads constructed using coir geo-textiles, the Chairman said the board will hold discussions with National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) to use the proven environment-friendly technology in constructing highways as it gives greater durability as well as reduced maintenance costs.
If NHAI adopts this experience, it will give a major boost to the coir sector in the domestic market.

Geo-textiles are strong synthetic fabrics usually used in civil engineering construction projects for stabilising loose soil and preventing erosion.
The higher cost of coir production in Kerala is due to higher level of labour cost. Opting for mechanisation is the only way out, he said.
"Only through massive production through advanced and modern technology, the coir industry will be able to survive and face the challenges posed by the competing products," he added.