Date:27/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/07/27/stories/2004072700751200.htm

Back Coir exports up marginally in Q1

G.K. Nair

Kochi , July 26

EXPORTS of coir and coir products during the first quarter of the current fiscal increased by 4 per cent in quantity and five per cent in value.

During April - June, exports stood at 23,903 tonnes valued at Rs 91.12 crore as against 22,984 tonne worth Rs 87.94 crore in the corresponding period a year ago, he said.

Coir mats exports increased 5 per cent in volume and 10 per cent in value.

As against 10,425 tonne valued at Rs 61.49 crore Apr - Jun 2003, 10,972 tonne worth Rs 67.36 crore were exported during the Q1 of this fiscal, a senior official of the Coir Board told Business Line.

The functional advantage of coir doormats apart from its environment-friendly characteristics has been pushing its demand in the overseas markets, he pointed out.

Except for coir pith and rugs and carpets, all the other items declined marginally, he said.

The demand for coir pith has continued its upward trend, increasing 22 per cent in quantity and 33 per cent in value.

As against 6,790 tonne valued at Rs 4.58 crore in April - June 2003, 8,278 tonne valued at Rs 6.08 crore were exported. Its extensive use as a soil conditioner overseas had pushed up its demand and it was expected to grow in the coming months, he said.

Rugs and carpets have shown a marginal increase from 371 tonne valued at Rs 2.32 crore to 387 tonne worth Rs 2.37 crore.

Meanwhile, all the other items declined. Coir geo-textiles dropped to 439 tonne from 620 tonne while coir yarn from 3,026 tonne to 2,238 tonne.

Availability of cheap substitutes has resulted in the continuous decline in the demand for coir yarn, he pointed out.