The government will spend more money on research and development in the coir sector to bring out more quality products, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said.
He was inaugurating Coir Kerala 2016, the sixth edition of the annual trade event on coir and natural fibres, at the EMS stadium here on Monday. The Minister said the event was aimed at increasing exports. The ultimate beneficiary of the success of the event would be the toiling masses. The coir sector had about 3.75 lakh workers, the majority of whom were women.
Earlier, Minister for Coir Adoor Prakash said the government was keen on procurement of husk to tide over shortage of husk faced by the industry. The State government had already provided Rs.11 crore this year for husk procurement, he said.
Coir Kerala showcases an array of innovative coir products and technologies. The international pavilion will have 125 stalls, while the national pavilion will feature 135 stalls. Over 150 international buyers from 54 countries in addition to domestic buyers will participate in the five-day event.
The fair offers a forum for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to discuss initiatives to create jobs, to improve condition of coir workers, and to raise productivity and earnings.
It will also serve as a platform for the State’s coir producers and exporters to explore and pursue opportunities for marketing their products across the world. Coir Secretary and Coir Kerala 2016 chairperson Rani George welcomed the gathering. Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan will inaugurate an international seminar on February 2. A number of experts and senior officials will attend the international seminars on February 2 and 3 on the theme of ‘‘Product diversification in natural fibre scenario with emphasis on coir sector.’’
Source : The Hindu
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