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India produces more than 80% of global coir fibre, while women form nearly 80% of the traditional extraction/spinning workforce. Recent enterprises show how PMEGP, Coir Board training and product innovation can convert coconut waste into higher-value rural businesses.
WHY IN NEWS
On 14 September 2026, the Ministry of MSME highlighted new coir-enterprise case studies from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, linking credit, training, value addition and waste utilisation with women's employment and sustainable rural livelihoods.
TOP DATA & FACTS
- India accounts for more than 80% of global coir fibre production.
- Women constitute nearly 80% of workers engaged in fibre extraction and spinning.
- Organised coir production in India dates to 1859, when the first factory was established at Alappuzha.
- An Andhra Pradesh coir enterprise established in 2024-25 had a project cost of Rs 10 lakh and a Rs 6.50 lakh bank loan.
- That enterprise reports annual turnover of about Rs 35 lakh and profit of about Rs 10 lakh.
- It directly employs 6 women, trained nearly 120 women and inspired around 5 additional coir units.
- A Kerala coir-pith bio-fertiliser enterprise began in November 2024.
- It built a customer base of 500+, sold over 20 tonnes and recorded Rs 13 lakh turnover with Rs 4 lakh profit in FY 2024-25.
- The Kerala unit employs 5 workers, including 2 women.
- The Coir Board is a statutory body under the Ministry of MSME.
- Coir Vikas Yojana supports technology, research, skills, market promotion, industry development and worker welfare.
- CCRI developed coir rail-wheel axle packaging cups as an alternative to HDPE plastic cups.
PRELIMS
- India accounts for more than 80% of global coir fibre production.
- Women constitute nearly 80% of workers engaged in fibre extraction and spinning.
- Organised coir production in India dates to 1859, when the first factory was established at Alappuzha.
- An Andhra Pradesh coir enterprise established in 2024-25 had a project cost of Rs 10 lakh and a Rs 6.50 lakh bank loan.
- That enterprise reports annual turnover of about Rs 35 lakh and profit of about Rs 10 lakh.
- It directly employs 6 women, trained nearly 120 women and inspired around 5 additional coir units.
- A Kerala coir-pith bio-fertiliser enterprise began in November 2024.
- It built a customer base of 500+, sold over 20 tonnes and recorded Rs 13 lakh turnover with Rs 4 lakh profit in FY 2024-25.