The Hindu : Kerala News : `Coir sector should learn from global trends'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 20, 2006
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Kerala

Kerala

`Coir sector should learn from global trends'

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Global trends focussing on eco-friendly goods are creating a favourable environment for coir industries, according to Tommy Mathew, an entrepreneur in the coir sector. Implementation of the theme of sustainable development would go a long way in ensuring success for coir industries as well as communities depending on it, he said.

There is an increased awareness on business in the coir sector, which can make a difference to the lives of millions of rural people. Various governments as well as United Nations have set some ambitious targets for reducing poverty and improving living standards. The private sector will have an important role to play in helping achieve these goals. Some coir industries are already involved in such schemes. The sustainable livelihood projects in the coir sector supports rural masses, mainly women, who have been denied access to proper amenities, he said.

Investment in sustainable development programmes should aim at optimum utilisation of available resources. On an average, 1,000 pieces of husk would generate 80 kg of fibre valued at Rs.600. Innovations in processing would be able to generate 250 kg of fibre valued at Rs.960, he said.

Coir industries can help stimulate local markets and enable the rural population to become active entrepreneurs and customers in markets of environment-friendly goods.

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