Coir Industry :- Coir fibre is extracted from the outer cover of coconut viz. Coconut husk by either a process known as retting practiced in the State of Kerala or mechanical decortication in vogue in states other than kerala. The fibre extracted from green coconut husk by the process of retting is known as white fibre and the fibre extracted from dry husk/green husk by mechanical means is known as rown fibre. The fibre is spun in to coir yarn and a wide range of coir products like floor mats mattings rugs carpets etc. are produced. Rubberised coir used for manufacture of mattresses and cushions; wood-substitute like coir ply garden articles; including coir pith organic manure coir pith bricks coir baskets coir poles are some other products of the industry. Wide varieties of curio items are also crafted out of coir.

Coir industry is a traditional labour intensive export oriented and agro based cottage industry. The industry originated in the State of Kerala centuries ago has spread to other coconut growing States like Tamil Nadu karnataka Andhra Pradesh orissa West Bengal etc. over the years. The industry employs more than half a million people and majority of them are from rural areas belonging to economically weaker sections of the society. About 80% of the workforce is women.

The industry is an export oriented one and coir and coir products are exported to more than 112 countries all over the world.

Coir Board and Its Activities:- The Coir Board was set up under the Coir Industry Act 1953 by the Government of India for the overall sustainable development of the coir industry in India. The functions of the Board as laid down under the Act include undertaking assisting and encouraging scientific technological and economic research modernization quality improvement human resource development market promotion and welfare of all those who are engaged in this industry.