Exports of coir and coir-based products in the first quarter of the financial year increased 7.83 per cent to 45,038 tonnes from 41,766 tonnes in the corresponding quarter last year. Earnings increased marginally by 1.99 per cent from Rs 127.10 crore to Rs 129.64 crore in Q1.
AC Jose, chairman of the Coir Board, said the first quarter performance had built a strong momentum.
“It gives us confidence that we are on the right track. Though rupee appreciation prevailed, we could sustain an attractive growth rate,” he added.
The largest exports were seen in coir pith, at 24,435 tonnes as against 18,575 tonnes in 2007. Value realisation increased from Rs 14.61 crore to Rs 17.65 crore, up 21 per cent as per latest estimates.
| ON TRACK | ||
| In tonnes | Rs crore | |
| Year | ||
| 2005-06 | 1,36,026 | 508.44 |
| 2006-07 | 1,68,754 | 605.00 |
| 2007-08 | 1,86,481 | 588.00 |
| First quarter | ||
| 2007 | 41,766 | 127.10 |
| 2008 | 45,038 | 129.64 |
Coir mat, which is much dearer in the global markets, contributed 15,956 tonnes of the total export basket, registering an increase of 5 per cent over last year’s 15,137 tonnes. The highest export earnings was from this item, at a growth of 7 per cent from Rs 89.69 crore to Rs 95.64 crore. Export of coir yarn dropped 17 per cent to 1,780 tonnes, valued at Rs 5.17 crore, as against 2,150 tonnes at Rs 6.57 crore.
Items such as coir rugs and carpets, coir matting and other products such as coir braids, poles, bags, fender and fancy items have performed negatively in Q1. A 92 per cent decrease has been recorded in rugs and carpets while value has dropped by 93 per cent. Total export of this item were just six tonnes valued at Rs 3.63 crore, compared to previous first quarter’s 73 tonne. Export of matting dropped by 37 per cent at 592 tonnes valued at Rs 4.04 crore.
Interestingly, nil export was recorded in curled coir sector as against 345 tonnes in April-June period of 2007. Thirty five per cent of the total volume of export was from coir mats, 60 per cent from various other forms of coir and 4 per cent from coir yarn.