KOCHI: The Indian coir sector has the potential to grow globally aided by modernisation, according to Coir Board Chairman C P Radhakrishnan. Talking to Express about the future plans of the Board, he said the Board has a target to generate Rs 25,000 crore revenue from exports by 2024 compared to Rs 2,290 crore now.
“We are giving full thrust to Coir Industry Technical Upgradation Scheme. Under this, 25 per cent subsidy will be given to entrepreneurs who modernise the industry. It is under the consideration of the central government and we expect to get approval soon,” he said.
The Coir Board targets Rs 2,700 crore through exports in FY18.
“We want to change the entire outlook of the coir industry in the country. In 2016-17, export quantity and value of Coir Geotextile grew 37.6 per cent and 26.9 per cent compared to a year ago. The key markets for this products are the US, Europe and China. Competition is low as SriLanka is the only larger player,” said the chairman.
Radhakrishnan said, “Coir Board is in talks with the Kerala government to collect coconut husk from home to home. The discussions are at an advanced stage and the plan is to employ Kudumbashree workers to collect the husk,” he said.
When asked about the idea of merging Coir Board and Coconut Development Board, Radhakrishnan said “I think they should become one board. Without coconut there is no coir. Besides, it is good for the industry. But how this can be done that I do not know.”