Inspired by the consistent rise in exports of coir and other related eco-friendly items, the government of the south Indian State of Kerala is working out a plan to extensively promote coir products in the vast domestic market.
The market for coir products in India is currently estimated to be worth Rs. 16 billion, almost two-times greater than its export market. However, the State Coir Department believes that not even half the potential of the domestic market is being exploited at present.
The Ministry for Coir is developing a strategy to expand the local market to about Rs. 40 billion over the next three to four years, by generating awareness and product promotion activities.
As part of the government's policy to rejuvenate the coir industry, Coir Kerala 2012, a mega trade fair, would be held in Alappuzha during February 4-9, 2012.
The second edition of the fair is aimed at extending a common platform for buyers and sellers and would have an international flavour.
A parallel domestic fair would also be held to promote coir amongst local consumers.
The coir product basket for domestic market encompasses upholstery and home furnishing items like rugs, carpets, tiles and mats, that is, mostly all conventional coir items. These items have retained their popularity, and also their sales have grown at a higher pace due to growing interest of urban architects and builders in it, as they have started considering this lucrative golden yarn as a preferred material for use in interior decoration.
However, the products that the Coir Department is eager to market extensively across the nation mostly include non-conventional products like yarn, geo-textiles and coir pith.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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