‘Muppiri’ that lost its market once will get a new life as Coirfed, the Kerala State Co-operative Coir Marketing Federation Ltd, has now come up with a new product ‘Coirfed Ponnoonjal’ (Coirfed swings) to welcome this Onam.
Coirfed has plans to introduce a brand of swings made of ‘Muppiri’ coir this Onam. The Onam swings are expected to entertain youngsters and elders alike as they can be hung inside the houses as well as outside, on tree trunks. The custom-made swings will be supplied to the customers by the Coirfed according to orders.
“These swings will be made available to the customers against order and will be available in prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500,” Coirfed MD Mohammed Anil said.
Kerala had witnessed the coming up of cottage industries related to coconut products.
Coir yarn industry, one such cottage industry seen along the coastal areas of Kerala, produces yarn out of coconut fibres either by spinning on a wheel, hand spinning, or mechanised spinning. Hand-spun yarn is soft and the twist and thickness are even.
Wheel-spun yarn has a hard twist but is stronger and more uniform in size.
The classification of coir yarn is based on variations of colour, twist, pitch, scorage etc. and also area of production such as Anjengo, Aratony, Alapat, Beach, Rope yarn, Parur, Muppiri etc.
The most preferred coir varieties are what are colloquially known as “chakkara kayar” and “muppiri kayar”. ‘Chakkara’ coir is made by twisting two strands of threads made from coconut fibre while ‘Muppiri’ coir is made by twisting three strands of threads.
The Muppiri variety, known for its great quality, was widely used once for several purposes. Later, the higher costs of the variety led people to prefer other types which eventually resulted in the vanishing of ‘Muppiri’ coir. The Coirfed’s initiative is expected to help bring back the former glory of the variety.
Coirfed has also come up with a new array of products such as baby mattresses and cosy spring mattress- mattress made of coir springs.
The society is expecting a business of Rs 15 crore this Onam season.