The 16th edition of the agriculture trade fair ‘Agri Intex 2016’ beginning here on July 16, would focus on coir and its export potential through an exclusive fair.

The India International Coir Fair (IICF), jointly organised by the Coir Board, MSME, Government of India, would have three major components such as exhibition of coir products and technology for coir industry, seminar and a buyer-seller meet with international buyers, Agri Intex chairman, R. Shasi Kumar told reporters here today.

About 350 products made out of coir and relevant machinery would be on display for the benefit of buyers, he said and added that eight international buyers, especially from China, Italy and Israel, have shown interest in the products. “A 20-member Israeli delegation is visiting the expo to explore the market potential,” he said.

The Centre had recognised the fair and extended logo support for the first time, Dr. K. Ramasamy, TNAU vice-chancellor, said. The varsity is one of the joint organisers of the expo.

Besides, the United Nations Centre for Sustainable Agriculture had extended its support to the fair, that would open up many business opportunities in the field of agricultural mechanisation, he added.

Stating that the annual meet of the Regional Council of Agricultural Machinery Association in Asia and Pacific would also be held during the expo, Shasi Kumar said that sourcing personnel from 21 nations would visit the event.

With 400 participants, out of which 70 would be first-timers (including those from China, Germany, Italy and Israel), the expo would be inaugurated by the Union Minister, Kalraj Mishra, in the presence of NABARD chief Harsh Kumar Bhanwala.

“As far as the feedback of the previous exhibitions, we are satisfied that the farmers benefited a lot both technically and financially,” Ramasamy added.

“Though there were some difficult times, particularly due to vagaries of climate, various schemes and advisory given by the Government and university have helped the farmers in general,” he said.