and encountering crises now and then. New generation looms like Anupam, Anugraha, Uday etc were developed by the Board with a view to improve production and income while at the same time making work lighter. By providing the efficacy of coir pith as organic manure, in opposition to its earlier existence as a waste material, new vistas for trading have been opened. The Board imparts technical know – how in using coir pith as manure, through its offices spread across the country. Coir pith which posed great hazards to the environment earlier, has now acquired potential markets as organic manure.

The Board provides training and financial assistance to entrepreneurs willing to set up new industrial units, thus facilitating the functioning of more and more new units. Under the REMOTE scheme, Coir Board further gives assistance in securing capital through bank loan and subsidy for creating infrastructure facilities. For the first time in the history of the coir industry, forty percent subsidy is given for starting tiny units and coir spinning units.

For revamping the indigenous market in coir trading, efforts are made to introduce a wide range of coir products. Janata coir mattresses which cost less than `1000 are made available in the market. This will go a long way in improving the marketing of mattresses, in addition to providing people in the lower strata with bed mattresses. Plans are on the anvil to introduce jewelery, handicrafts, jackets, carry bags etc made out of coir, in the market.

The big industrial units in the coir sector too will stand to benefit under the 12th five year plan. So also plans are evolved to modernize the traditional looms, thus reducing the workload on the workers.

Various measures have been implemented to improve both the income and the standard of living of the coir workers in general. Steps are taken to hike the amount under insurance coverage given to coir workers.

Coconut is a great gift from Mother Nature. So are the husks. The value added products obtained from husks are simultaneously natural and eco – friendly. Coir geotextiles are of great use in preventing soil erosion and river bank protection. In this way, it helps to maintain the ecological balance. Manufacturing benches, desks and kitchen cabinets from coir – ply checks denudation of forests and thus controls the climate in the long run.

It is high time we retraced our steps from plastic and synthetic fibres to natural products to protect and keep nature pristine and safe for the coming generations. Let the nature – friendly, valuable products from coir become a part of our life and decorate our homes.

Coir, the fibre of life!

One coir product in each home!

Professor G. Balachandran