Coimbatore, July 16: Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra inaugurated India International Coir Fair (IICF-2016) showcasing a wide range of coir products. This expo is believed to be the largest coir confluence in the world. Organised by the Coir Board, under ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), the four-day fair has 95 exhibitors from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra displaying their products.

Improvised floor covering material, coir pith and its value added products, coir garden articles, coir handicraft items, coir geo-textile and coir wood were some of the products on display. Products like tufted mat, coir geotextiles, handloom mattings, power loom mat and coir rugs and carpets showed rising trend in exports.

Speaking on the inauguration, Kalraj Mishra said, “Coir exports grew by 17% in value terms last fiscal compared to the previous year and the Coir Board plans to double exports in the next 3 years.” Coir exports for 2015-16 touched 752,020 tonnes valued at Rs 1901.62 crore showing 20% rise in quantity and 17% in value from a year ago. “28 countries are taking keen interest in the fourth IICF event.”

The US, China, Netherlands and South Korea are the main buyers of coir products from India. China is the principal buyer of coir fibre from India.

“95 individual exhibitors from across the country participated in the event. Major participants are from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with 54 and 24 members respectively. Other states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Gujarat will also be a part of this event,” C P Radhakrishnan, All India Chairman, Coir Board said.

People have been facilitated for their contribution to this sector with ‘Coir Mitra & Life time achievement’ Awards.

The three day event comprises of a confluence of manufacturers, exporters, technology providers, machinery manufacturers and importers of coir from around the globe, the attractions at the fair include a buyer-seller meet, seminars, investors meet, exhibitions, and a coir fashion show.

It is said that in fiscal 2015-16, coir product exports from India touched a new peak of Rs 1,091 crore, registering 17 per cent growth in terms of value and 20 per cent in volume. The Board has targeted to double coir production and exports over the next three years.

Concerned over stagnation:

Despite a 17% increase in export of coir products in 2015-16, stagnant production for the past few years remains an area of concern, Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra said. Inaugurating the fourth edition of India International Coir Fair (IICF), organised by Coir Board, he said the volume of India’s coir products exports to 115 countries had increased by 17 percent and 20 percent in value terms in 2015-16.

However, the point of concern is stagnant production of coir and the Coir Board should coordinate with other stakeholders to enhance productivity and coverage of coconut production, he added. “The government is very much concerned about this sector as coir and its products have a bright future and we should be well prepared to reap its benefits,” he said.