New Delhi. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing various schemes for the overall development of coir industry in the country like Skill Upgradation and Quality Improvement Programme including Mahila Coir Yojana, Domestic Market Promotion, Export Market Promotion, Development of Production Infrastructure Scheme, Research and Development Programmes etc. through Coir Board, a statutory body under the administrative control of this Ministry.

A new Central Sector scheme on “Rejuvenation, Modernisation and Technology Upgradation of the Coir Industry” was launched in March, 2008 to assist spinners and tiny household sector. Further, another scheme - SFURTI “Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries” envisages holistic development of 26 coir clusters in the coir producing States.

Recently the State Government of Kerala has sought financial assistance for its National Coir Research and Management Institute, Thiruvananthapuram; Market Promotion Fund; External Market Assistance and also funds for transportation subsidy for coir yarn and products. However, the funds are released by the Ministry to the Coir Board and not directly to the State Governments for implementation of various programmes in coir sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Shri Dinsha Patel in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.