Thiruvananthapuram, March 2 Coir exports are expected to touch Rs 1,000 crore by the end of the Eleventh Plan, according to Mr V.S. Vijayaraghavan, Chairman, Coir Board.
The coir industry was priming itself for a quantum jump in growth, Mr Vijayaraghavan said here while inaugurating the zonal office of the Coir Board here on Monday.
Export of coir and allied products had touched Rs 623 crore until January 31 of this financial year. This is expected to grow to Rs 750 crore by the turn of the financial year, which would exceed the target of Rs 700 crore set by the Centre.
The potential is equally good in the domestic market, the Chairman said.
The Director-General for Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) has appointed the Coir Board as the nodal agency for the supply of coir and allied products to Central Government offices and public sector undertakings.
The DGS&D had approved the rates submitted on a rate contract basis. This would obviate the need for tenders and enable direct procurement of coir and allied products through agencies chosen by the Coir Board. Mr Vijayaraghavan also announced that the Coir Board has sanctioned the arrears under the market development assistance scheme.
Among those who attended the function were Mr M. Kumara Raju, Secretary, Coir Board; Mr M. Kumaraswami Pillai, Director; and Mr P. C. Antonal Vas, Joint Director.
Source : Business Line