Thiruvananthapuram: The upcoming Coir Kerala 2015 trade fair starting on February 1 would see the participation of 170 foreign buyers from 53 countries, a Kerala minister said today.
The fifth edition of Coir Kerala 2015, billed as the world's biggest trade event on coir and natural fibres, will be held in Alappuzha from February 1-5 .
Kerala Minister for Revenue and Coir Adoor Prakash told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram that this event has now become a sought-after one for foreign buyers as there would be a one to one discussion for placing orders.
"This event has actually spurred the growth of coir exports in the country from Rs 807 crore in 2010-11 to a record Rs 1,476 crore in the last fiscal, and by 2016-17, we are targeting the export of coir products to Rs 2,500 crore," said Mr Prakash.
The five-day event brings together scientists, researchers and policy makers to discuss strategies and new projects to create jobs and improve the working conditions of workers in the traditional coir industry.
Today, this industry has seen the number of employees dipping from more than four lakh to around 2.5 lakh.
"This has become a sector where there are very few new people coming for jobs. Over the years, one good thing that has happened is today there is modern equipment such as defibring unit, weaving, spinning and machine looms. We are now giving training to the employees who are in the industry," said Mr Prakash.
Kerala coir exports account for 75 per cent of the country's coir exports and over the years, the daily wages also have gone up from Rs 100 in 2011 to Rs 300 a day.
Among the products that would be displayed in the 250 stalls are furnishings, geotextiles, fancy and gift articles made of coir which also include bangles and necklaces.
The fifth edition of Coir Kerala 2015, billed as the world's biggest trade event on coir and natural fibres, will be held in Alappuzha from February 1-5 .
Kerala Minister for Revenue and Coir Adoor Prakash told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram that this event has now become a sought-after one for foreign buyers as there would be a one to one discussion for placing orders.
"This event has actually spurred the growth of coir exports in the country from Rs 807 crore in 2010-11 to a record Rs 1,476 crore in the last fiscal, and by 2016-17, we are targeting the export of coir products to Rs 2,500 crore," said Mr Prakash.
Today, this industry has seen the number of employees dipping from more than four lakh to around 2.5 lakh.
Advertisement
Kerala coir exports account for 75 per cent of the country's coir exports and over the years, the daily wages also have gone up from Rs 100 in 2011 to Rs 300 a day.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Red Alert Issued For Kerala's Wayanad Amid Heavy Rain Forecast Video: Foreigner Claims She Was Denied Entry Into Kerala Temple, Congress' Karti Chidambaram Reacts Freedom Of Press May Not Include Sting Operations In All Cases: Kerala High Court World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage 1 Passenger Dies As 12 Coaches Of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express Derail In UP Why BJP Lost Lok Sabha Polls In Uttar Pradesh - 6 Reasons In Party Report US Legislation To Curb AI Deepfakes, Give Control Back To Creators Face Of History's "Cruellest Man" Re-Created 440 Years After His Death 1 Passenger Dies As 12 Coaches Of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express Derail In UP Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.