Government to provide Rs 250 cr for coir industry

Alappuzha, Dec 7 (UNI) Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Issac said the state government would provide Rs 250 crore for the sector to boost the coir industry.

Addressing a gathering at a meeting of the coir exporters, Mr Issac said this year the government had spent Rs 50 crore and would be investing Rs 250 crore more in the next five years.

He said the district would be made the centre of world carpet industries and the increase in coir and jute products was a positive indicator.

Mr Issac also stressed the importance of research and development to produce quality products in the sector.

He said to improve the infrastructure, the state was expecting financial help from the Centre.

State Cooperation Minister G Sudhakaran said the government was expecting a turnover Rs 600 crore in coir product exports in the coming year.

'' We have spent Rs 15 crore for coir industries in the last six months. The government has an open mind in welcoming industrialists and will provide all infrastructure assistances for industries,'' the minister said.

UNI XR MA VV ADB1940