The coir industry, deeply rooted in India’s rural economy, has long been a cornerstone of employment and sustainable development. With over 5.5 lakh individuals employed, predominantly women, the sector plays a pivotal role in the livelihoods of many. Recognizing the potential of coir products in the global market, the Coir Board of India has implemented a series of initiatives to assist small-scale manufacturers in reaching international buyers. This article delves into these strategies and highlights how entities like Altus Exports can further facilitate Indian manufacturers in exporting their products.

The Coir Board’s Initiatives to Boost Global Presence

The Coir Board, established under the Coir Industry Act of 1953, is dedicated to promoting the development and export of coir products. To enhance the global competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the coir sector, the Board has introduced several key initiatives:

1. Export Market Promotion (EMP) Scheme: The primary objective of the EMP is to encourage small-scale exporters to venture into the global market and expand the export of Indian coir products. This scheme offers financial assistance for participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and other promotional activities abroad. By facilitating exposure to international markets, the EMP aids manufacturers in understanding global demand and establishing business relationships.

   Coir Board

2. Coir Vikas Yojana: This comprehensive scheme encompasses various components aimed at the holistic development of the coir industry. It includes skill upgradation, development of production infrastructure, and domestic market promotion. By enhancing the quality of products and production processes, the scheme ensures that Indian coir products meet international standards, thereby boosting their appeal in global markets.

3. Coir Industry Technology Upgradation Scheme (CITUS): CITUS aims to assist entrepreneurs in upgrading and procuring eligible plant and machinery. The scheme’s objectives include establishing state-of-the-art processing units, enhancing raw material utilization, creating employment opportunities, and attracting new entrepreneurs to the coir industry. By modernizing production facilities, CITUS ensures that coir products are competitive in terms of quality and cost in the international arena.

4. Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY): Recognizing that 80% of workers in the coir industry are women, this scheme focuses on providing training to improve their skills. It also offers a 75% subsidy for the purchase of modern spinning equipment, enabling women artisans to enhance productivity and product quality. Empowering women in this manner not only boosts production but also ensures a sustainable livelihood for them.

Impact of the Coir Board’s Initiatives

The concerted efforts of the Coir Board have yielded significant results:

• Export Growth: India exports coir and coir products to more than 100 countries worldwide. In the fiscal year 2021-22, exports reached ₹3,778.98 crore, a substantial increase from ₹1,021 crore in the previous year. The USA emerged as the largest importer, accounting for 16.9% of the total quantity and 29.79% of the total value of exports. China followed, contributing 19.82% in value and 37.6% in quantity.

  Indian Trade Portal

• Employment Generation: The industry’s growth has led to the creation of additional employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. The increased utilization of raw materials due to heightened demand has further bolstered rural economies.

Challenges Faced by Small-Scale Coir Manufacturers

Despite these advancements, small-scale coir manufacturers encounter several challenges when entering the global market:

• Quality Standards: Meeting international quality standards requires significant investment in technology and training.

• Market Access: Identifying and connecting with international buyers can be daunting for small enterprises lacking global exposure.

• Financial Constraints: Limited access to capital hampers the ability to invest in production infrastructure and marketing activities.

Altus Exports: Bridging the Gap for Indian Manufacturers

To navigate these challenges, partnerships with experienced export facilitators become crucial. Altus Exports offers a comprehensive partnership model designed to assist Indian manufacturers in successfully exporting their products:

1. Expertise in Identifying Buyers: Altus Exports excels in pinpointing potential buyers across various international markets. Leveraging a deep understanding of market trends and buyer behavior, they match products with the right clientele.

2. Access to Comprehensive Databases: With subscriptions to numerous databases and information sources, Altus Exports provides up-to-date market intelligence, identifying new opportunities and understanding market dynamics.

3. Skilled Marketing Team: A proficient marketing team employs both traditional and digital techniques to raise product awareness, generate leads, and convert them into orders.

4. Extensive Network: Over the years, Altus Exports has built a vast network of contacts, including distributors, agents, retailers, and other key stakeholders, facilitating smoother market entry and quicker establishment in new territories.

Partnering with Altus Exports

Altus Exports seeks to form strategic alliances with manufacturers who share a commitment to excellence and global expansion. Ideal partners are those who:

• Produce Export-Quality Products: Manufacturers that adhere to stringent quality standards suitable for international markets.

• Aspire for Global Footprints: Manufacturers eager to expand their presence globally.

• Possess Necessary Documentation and Certifications: Compliance with international regulations, possession of export licenses, and adherence to relevant industry standards are crucial for seamless export operations.