GOVT. TAKES MEASURES TO BOOST EXPORT OF COIR

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There has been a steady increase in export of coir and coir products both in quantity and value. During the year 2002-03, India has exported 82634 metric tonnes coir products worth of Rs 34512.75 lakhs compared to 71335 metric tonnes of Rs. 32058.35 lakhs during 2001-02. In order to boost export of coir and coir products, the Coir Board of the Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries has initiated several steps. Some of these are participation in exhibition/catalogue shows, product promotion programmes abroad, assistance to exporters for acquiring ISO 9000 certification etc. A new scheme ‘External Market Development Assistance’ has also been introduced effective from 2000-01 for encouraging small exporters in the coir sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agro and Rural Industries Shri Sangh Priya Gautam in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.