Need to boost production of coir and by-products: MSME MoS Shobha Karandlaje

Union Minister of State for MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, on Thursday emphasised the need to scale up coir and by-product production, citing that only 30% of India's coconut husk is utilised. Karandlaje stressed enhancing value-addition in the coir sector, meeting growing domestic demand for coco peat, and exploring new applications in horticulture and other areas.

This was highlighted during her review of the Research and Development activities of Central Institute of Coir Technology - COIR Board at Bengaluru. The Minister also stressed the importance of developing new applications in horticulture and other potential areas.

The meeting was held with Vipul Goel, Joint Secretary (ARI) & Chairman, Coir Board, and Shri Arun G, Secretary, Coir Board, O.L. Shanmugasundaram, Joint Director (Tech.), CICT and other Coir board officials.


The Minister showed keen interest in extracting carbon from coir fiber for environmental sustainability and carbon credits. She suggested modular training programs tailored to industry needs, focusing on coconut-based products, carbon or charcoal extraction, and coir wood panel production. This initiative aims to boost the coir sector's potential, promote eco-friendly practices, and support sustainable development.

The Minister further advised CICT and Coir Board to actively collaborate with national level technical institutions such as ICAR, CPCRI, IIHR, Coconut Development Board, NHAI, and state-level export units, with the aim of creating scalable, high-value coir-based products. The Minister reiterated that Coir Board's developed technologies should be transferred to farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives through a phased, sector-specific approach. This would ensure wider outreach and effective adoption at the grassroots level, ultimately benefiting the coir industry and its stakeholders.

Karandlaje also visited the workshop, display center and Coir Wood house, where she reviewed the product range, and emphasised the importance of urban visibility for artisan-made, eco-friendly coir products.