HEADLINES:  

Coir Exports

The export of Coir and Coir products from India during the first half of the year 2020-21 registered Rs. 1662.43 crore with an increase of around Rs. 300.00 crore from the first half of previous year. This is also the highest half year figure ever recorded in the history of the Coir Board. During the first half of the year 2020-21, 5,43,393 MT of coir and coir products were exported from the country as against 4,93,399 MT exported during the first half of preceding year. The increase, in value, works out to be 22.1% and, in terms of quantity, 10.1% when compared to the corresponding figures of the previous year. This is quite a favourable trend despite the prevailing covid situation.

Coir pith with export earnings of Rs. 835.26 crore constituted 50% of the total export of coir products from the country. Coir fibre with an export of Rs. 303.69 crore constituted to 18% of the total exports. The value-added items put together constituted 31% of the total exports. Coir exports were mainly made through Tuticorin, Cochin and Chennai ports.

Coir Importing Countries

During the first half of the year 2020-21, 97 countries imported coir and coir products from India. USA topped the importing countries with 30% in value and 17% in quantity. China is the second largest importer of coir products from India with a share of 23% in value and 37% in quantity. Netherlands, UK, South Korea, Spain, Australia, Italy, Germany and Canada imported substantial quanti­ties of coir and coir products during the period.

The total production of coir and coir products was 4,40,000 MT during the first half of the current financial year. Consumption of coir and coir products in the domestic market also shows an increasing trend. The Coir Board showrooms across the country could achieve a total sale of Rs 691.69 lakhs.

Major Coir Producing states

Indian coir industry is an important cottage industry contributing significantly to the economy of the major coconut growing States and Union Territories, i.e., Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa, Assam, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, etc. About .5.5 lakh persons get employment in this industry.