KOCHI: Since its formation in 1953, the Coir Board has been engaged in the promotion and development of the coir industry in India.
“Moving a step ahead, the Board now plans to enter into the production and marketing of coir products with public-private partnership (PPP). A proposal in this regard was submitted to the Central Government,” Coir Board former Chairman G Balachandran told ‘Express’.
“The Board is targeting a combined turnover of `5,000 crore in the domestic and international markets, in two years,” he said.
“When I took charge as the chairman of the Coir Board in February 2012, the industry was considered to be a sunset industry. But, when technology was induced into the sector, I was sure that wonders could happen and that proved to be true in the past 28 months. There are many products which are tested and approved. But, now investment is needed to produce and market the products commercially. If the Board begins their production it would be a revolutionary change,” Balachandran said.
“One such product, on which further research is needed, is fire-resistant coir fibres that could be used to make train compartments and seats. Earlier, it took almost one day to treat the husk and convert it into fibre. During my stint, we discovered that tamarind solution could be used to treat the husk, which proved to be successful. The coir pith could be used effectively to absorb oil when there is spillage, wherein about 70 percent of the spilled oil could be retrieved. The pith can also be used as a bio-fertiliser, catering to the needs of the global market,” he noted.
“Also, blending coir with plastic can make it an efficient geo-textile, which could be used to strengthen rural roads. Another research is being done on blending coir with silk to make jackets that can be used in places where there is extreme cold,” he said.Balachandran further noted that the way forward for the Board was to tie up with entrepreneurs to produce the innovative coir products in a large scale.
During Balachandran’s tenure, the Coir Board was keen in embracing technology, mechanisation and diversification. His most commendable achievement was the Coir Kranthi Express exhibition he had organised from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, to spread awareness on coir products.