Coir exports up at Rs 1,050 cr in FY’12.

Alappuzha: India's coir exports increased to Rs 1,050 crore in 2011-12 from Rs 808 crore the previous year, with promotional campaigns like Coir Kerala Fest had been playing a key role, state's Revenue and Coir Minister Adoor Prakash.

Kerala had contributed 90 per cent of the total export as processing coir from coconut husk and making value-added products had been a major traditional industry in the state for centuries, the minister said.

Talking to reporters here, he said the third edition of the annual Coir Fest would be here from February 1-6 next year.

The two previous editions of Coir Kerala had enabled to boost the profile of the state's traditional coir sector.

"Coir exports increased to Rs 1,050 crore in 2011-12 from Rs 808 crore in 2010-11. We are working to make this event more beneficial to all stakeholders by attracting more buyers and sellers, increasing public participation and providing better facilities," he said.

The Kerala government has decided to give superannuation benefits to 16,000 coir workers who retired before 2006. The Coir Department had been asked to avoid delay in disbursing retirement benefits to the workers, he said.

The ultimate aim of the fair was to increase the market potential of the coir products and provide more working days and income to the workers, he said.

'Coir Kerala 2013' is expected to attract 150 international buyers from all around the world and see good participation from Latin American and African nations, besides 300-odd national buyers from various parts of the country.

The National Coir Research and Management Institute would coordinate the event.

Source : english.manoramaonline.com