A restructuring scheme for coir sector will be implemented during 2017-18. Steps are being taken to modernise coir industry on a war-footing, as per the budget proposals presented by Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac in the Assembly on Friday.
Care will be taken to ensure that coir workers and weavers do not lose their jobs due to technological modernisation. The government will procure their products at a price ensuring minimum wage. In the first phase, products from cooperative sector will be procured.
The procurement by Coirfed during 2017-18 will be doubled to two-lakh quintals. The Coir Corporation had procured coir products worth Rs.100-120 crore in 2016-17. The procurement will be enhanced in 2017-18 to Rs. 200 crore. Subsidy worth Rs.48 crore has been earmarked to provide marketing support.
Defibering machines will be provided to coir cooperative societies at 90% subsidy. Self-help groups will get 75% subsidy, while individuals will be eligible for 50% subsidy.
Hundred processing mills will be set up in the State during 2017-18. Private investors will be eligible for government subsidy in addition to the assistance provided by the Coir Board. The coir-composite factory of Foam Mattings will become operational during the current financial year.
Coir geotextiles will be utilised for soil and water conservation activities as part of the 'Haritha Keralam' project. A project for making use of geotextiles for road construction is under consideration. The idea is to ensure 200 days of employment to all coir workers in Kerala.
A coir geotextile school will be opened in Alappuzha under the aegis of Coirfed to train the workers of Employment Guarantee Scheme. The coir cooperative societies taken up for revival will be provided working capital and managerial subsidy.
