An annual international event called "Coir Kerala" began in Kerala, as the government aims to revamp the sector and harness the potential of this largely untapped domestic market, attracting budding entrepreneurs from across the world.
The fourth edition of the world's biggest trade event on coir and natural fibres that began on Saturday, is expected to draw buyers from across India and other countries as well.
The Alappuzha District in Kerala has great potential in the production of a variety of coir products.
State Minister for Revenue and Coir in Kerala, Adoor Prakash, said that such events provide a platform to market the traditional products.
"We are conducting this Coir Kerala for marketing our products. We have to introduce our coir and coir products to certain people, certain countries. They have to know what is our product," said Prakash.
The coir sector, which provides employment to around 3.5 lakh (350,000) people constituting 90 percent of women workforce, is facing challenges on multiple fronts, including critical shortage of raw material and daily wages.
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Secretary (Coir) Rani George said that around 160 buyers from around 48 countries and around 100 buyers from various parts of India will be participating in the global meet.
"The coir industry is the traditional industry of Kerala. Many workers are involved in this sector and 80 percent of the workers are women. Considering this, actually this has been going on for several years. But what the government wants that we need to have a good domestic market as well as international market and that's why we introduced Coir Kerala. This is the fourth year and we have entered the fourth edition. We have got around 160 buyers from around 48 countries and around 100 buyers from various parts of India," said George.
During the event, latest range of products including doormats, mattresses, pillows, cushions and machinery are on display in an attempt to attract the local youth towards this lucrative business. The meet concludes on February 5.
There is an urgent need in the region to provide the youth with employment and the event, which promotes small and sustainable industries, will help in this regard.