Date:01/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/01/stories/2007110156791900.htm

Business

Coir Board ties up with IOC

Staff Reporter

Scheme unveiled at joint function

Board products to be available at IOC outlets
Will help improve the lot of coir workers

KOCHI: The products of Coir Board will be available at select outlets of Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The scheme for the sale of coir products at IOC outlets was unveiled at a joint function organised by the Board and the oil company here on Wednesday.

Inaugurating the scheme, Coir Board Chairman A.C. Jose said the initiative would go a long way in increasing the domestic sales volume which would help improve the lot of the coir workers. At present, the labourers were not ensured of a minimum of 200 days of work annually, he pointed out.

B. Ashok, Head of IOC, Kerala, said the petroleum outlets had already started providing additional facilities to customers.

Toilet blocks had been constructed at some of the outlets situated along the highways.

More than 100 Kisan Seva Kendras are functioning at IOC outlets in Kerala.

Money transfer facility is available at some of the outlets.

IOC had made tie-ups with Milma and the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council for the sale of their products. The scheme was being introduced in Kerala and would be extended to other States, the Minister said.