Coir Board to Launch 15 Coir Clusters in Andhra Pradesh

The Coir Board, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has announced plans to set up 15 coir clusters in Andhra Pradesh. This was revealed by Coir Board Secretary M.S. Lakshmi Priya during the inaugural session of the Konaseema Coir Conclave-2026, held virtually on Thursday. She highlighted the abundant availability of raw materials in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, which could drive the establishment of coir-based units in the region.

Focus on Coir Sector Development in Konaseema

The two-day conclave, which concluded on Friday in Amalapuram, was jointly organized by the Ministry of MSME, the Coir Board, and the Horticulture Department. It aimed to explore opportunities for the coir sector in the Godavari region. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar announced that an action plan has been finalized to establish 20 coir-based MSME units in the district within the next quarter.

Support for Entrepreneurs and Farmers

To ensure the success of these initiatives, the district administration plans to provide comprehensive support to stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, coconut farmers, self-help groups, and farmer-producer organizations. This support will include assistance with technology, marketing, and branding, according to Mr. Mahesh Kumar.

Additionally, Joint Collector Waikon Nydia Devi assured participants of skill development and technological support for those interested in setting up coir-based units. The conclave also featured local artisans and young entrepreneurs showcasing their coir products, underlining the district's potential in this sector.

Learning from Kerala's Coir Industry

Kerala's experience in the coir industry was also highlighted during the conclave. Sameer Krishna, Director of the Coir Development Department in Kerala, shared insights into the state's success in coir trade and exports, offering a roadmap for Andhra Pradesh to emulate.

Why This Matters

The establishment of coir clusters in Andhra Pradesh could significantly boost the local economy by creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable industries. With the Konaseema district's natural resources and the government's focused support, the region is poised to become a hub for coir-based enterprises.

Source: The Hindu