Union Minister Kalraj Mishra today said that despite an increase in the export of coir products by 17 per cent in volume, there has been concern about the stagnant production of coir.

Inaugurating the fourth edition of India International Coir Fair organised by the Coir Board here, the Minister said the volume of India’s exports to 115 countries has increased by 17 per cent and by 20 per cent in value terms in 2015-16.

“But the point of concern is the stagnant production of coir. The Board should coordinate with other organisations to enhance productivity and coverage of coconut population. We are concerned about this sector as coir and its products have very bright future. We should be prepared to reap the benefits,” the Minister added.

Tracing the history, Mishra said that coir has been part of India’s civilization since time immemorial and the English word ‘Coir” originated from Tamil and Malayalam word ‘Kayar’.

In an era of nano technology and artificial fibres and substances, this historical natural fibre has relevance, he said. “Being a natural product it is biodegradable and so it is the best answer to the most difficult civilizational problems, which mankind if facing in the 21st century,” he said.

Coir and its products have found utility in construction of road, canal bankment, furniture and flooring material, upholstery, padding material in automobiles and fishing net and coir geo textile is emerging in all fields, thus making coir more and more relevant in the coming year, he added.

Stating that the proportion of women participation in employment in coir industry was about 80 per cent, Mishra said that the promotion of the sector means, women empowerment through employment.

He urged the board to utilise several schemes for technology upgradation, quality improvement that can be of immense benefit to the entrepreneurs working in the sector.

Coir Board chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan said the board a target of doubling the export in the next three years from the present Rs. 1900 crores.