Restrict use of coconut husk as fuel

Rajahmundry, May 7 (UNI) The coir board chairman, A C Jose today urged the Andra Pradesh Government to ban use of coconut husk for fuel purposes, here.

Speaking to the newsmen, he said this agro-rural industry is a source of income for many, of which eight per cent are women.

However, only 31 per cent of pith is used in the traditional coir industry, the rest goes to the fuel industry, he pointed out.

When asked about the prospects for exports, he said the export of coir pith touched 50572 metric tonnes and earned Rs 36.64 crore during 2005-06. He urged the government to relax taxes to bolster export.

Mr Jose said the regional office would be shifted to Rajahmundry from Visakhapatnam and an extension office would be set up at Visakhapatnam. The board has been implementing an insurance scheme against disability and accident deaths upto Rs 50,000.

The chairman said new programmes included regeneration of traditional industries, introduction of motorised traditional 'ratt' for production of quality yarn and training for improved working skills.

UNI BAK JJ1655