KOCHI: The State Government plans to convert traditional industrial sector into a dynamic one. The draft industrial policy released by the Government envisages incorporation of professional marketing strategies to exploit the retail revolution. The sector will be weaned away from the subsidy culture.

Special packages will be offered to private entrepreneurs and institutions to establish handloom production units. The handloom clusters will be strengthened with financial, technical and managerial assistance. The Government intends to encourage domestic usage of handloom and khadi products through mass campaigns and focus on the cultural aspects of traditional dressing.

The textile mills in the public sector and cooperative sector will be re-engineered to make them self-sustainable. Project-based support will be rendered to apex organisations in the handicraft sector. Heritage homes and souvenir industry will be developed.

Raw material and marketing consortiums of small scale producers, cooperative societies under cluster development programme are among the initiatives planned for the coir segment. Accumulated stock of coir and coir products will be procured from cooperatives, small scale producers and private producers.

The policy also envisages creating a brand image for Kerala coir to tap internal and export market of coir products. Modern coir factories will be set up in the cooperative sector. The Kerala State Coir Marketing Federation Limited (Coirfed), Kerala State Coir Corporation and Foam Matting (India) will be restructured to make it self-sustainable. Special thrust will be given for geo-textile development programme.

Local bodies and cooperatives will be involved in sericulture development programmes. Effective steps will be taken for providing adequate linkages by establishing cocoon marketing arrangements in all districts.

The activities of Kerala Bamboo Corporation will be strengthened with the support of technology adaptation and development. The government will continue to support the programmes implemented through the State Bamboo Mission. In the cashew segment, the plans include encouragement of technology in processing and encouraging diversification of products by value addition. Private sector will be encouraged to follow modern manufacturing management.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail