The Hindu Business Line : Coir sector adapting to changing conditions

THE modernisation process initiated by the coir industry will enlarge its developmental activities to a great extent, according to Coir Board sources who expect better investment and strategy pertaining to development, technology, promotion and production to take a new turn.

The industry once had a highly protected environment with Government patronage on account of its socio-economic commitment.

With Government policies shifting towards liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation, there has been a rapid change in the coir sector the recent past.

Intense competition in the market has necessitated a professional approach in all activities in the coir field covering production, technology, and other aspects.

The industry is now more aware of the need for a change in the market-oriented development towards sustained development in the ensuing years.

There are also attempts for strengthening research and activities in the industry for product diversification and to achieve a market-oriented production strategy.

The role of private sector is gaining importance in the industry now.

Product development for non-conventional uses has been generally accepted as one of the major focus areas.

Efforts are also being made to enhance utilisation of raw material in the industry and to accord top priority to quality standards.

To provide skilled and qualified higher and middle level management personal, an industry-University tie-up has also been made which resulted in the introduction of a one-year post-graduate diploma in coir technology by the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).

On the whole, the industry is now poised for a major change.

In this context, it is proposed to evolve a national coir development policy, the sources said.

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