By IANS
Kochi (Kerala) : The second India International Coir Fair (IICF) 2007 had an impressive opening here with more than 125 buyers from 57 countries taking part in it.
Inaugurating the five-day event, Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the only way to popularise coir was branding.
“Darjeeling is known for tea, and tulips are associated with Holland. So, when one speaks of coir, it should mean Kerala. The need of the hour is a modern marketing approach for coir,” the minister said.
“This fair should be held once in two years,” the minister added.
Speaking to IANS, Coir Board Chairman A.C. Jose said that the board was overwhelmed by the response.
“We are trying our best to promote the slogan of ‘Go Coir, Go Green’ with international buyers. This is a huge advantage and we are doing our best to promote this here,” said Jose.
The IICF is touted as a global platform for the coir industry since India accounts for 90 percent of the world’s production of coir, which is exported to 97 countries. Kerala alone accounts for 80 percent of the exports.
Coir exports have grown hugely in the past few years with business touching more than Rs.6 billion at the end of fiscal 2006-07, up from Rs.3.5 billion in 2002-03.
The fair showcases the manner in which coir is made traditionally in Kerala.
In the exhibition section, there is a huge portfolio of products that include mats, matting, carpets, rugs, rubberised coir mattresses, needled felt and geo-textiles.
New generation products like coco pits, garden articles and wood substitutes are also on display.