The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Rs.20-crore finishing factory to be set up for coir in Alappuzha

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Saturday, Dec 22, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Rs.20-crore finishing factory to be set up for coir in Alappuzha

Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram: The government will set up a finishing factory for coir at an estimated cost of Rs.20 crores in Alappuzha, Minister for Dewasom and Cooperation G. Sudhakaran said on Friday.

Launching the eco-friendly products of Foam Mattings (India) Ltd (Fomil) in the capital, the Minister said the government had asked for preparing the project report for setting up the factory.

The aim of the government is to make available at least one coir product in each household of the State by 2015. The domestic market for coir needs to be strengthened, the Minister said.

Mr. Sudhakaran said the government is to hold an expo in New Delhi for coir in January. Over 1,000 cooperative societies from the State will put up stalls at the expo. Already, 400 societies have registered for participating in the expo.

Fomil has generated Rs.30 lakh profit during the last eight months as per the un-audited accounts. The Minister said new marketing strategies should be adopted in addition to introducing new products and designs to suit the needs of the people.

The Minister said a modern design centre will be set up with the assistance of Bangalore-based National Institute of Design Centre.

Energy conservation measures will be adopted to bring down cost of production.

Chairman K.R. Bhageerthan and managing director S. Retnakumaran were among those present at the function.

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