In Karnataka, coir extraction and production of coir products began rather late when compared to Kerala. Karnataka State Coir Development Corporation Limited (KSCDCL) is leading the 'Coir Revolution' in the State since 1985. Managing Director of KSCDCL, Ramanna Naik, in an interview to bangalorebest.com, spoke about the trend in Karnataka's coir industry and the activities of KSCDCL.

How many showrooms are there in the State selling coir products?
We have seven showrooms in the State. They are called 'Kalpakruthi' - house of coir. In Bangalore, there are two, one on Kasturba Road and another at the BDA Complex in Banashankari. The other five are at Mysore, Davanagere, Hubli, Belgaum, and Gulburga.

When did Karnataka start the manufacture of coir products?
Fibre extraction from coconut husks started only in 1970s in Karnataka. Product development from coconut husk started in 1990 after the State Government started the'Viswa' scheme. Kerala leads in the production of coconut coir products.

What are the activities of KSCDCL?
There are 75 coir product manufacturing centres, most of them in rural areas in the state, where training is being given to enthusiastic youth in coir extraction and production of coir products. About 3,000 people are employed in these 75 coir product manufacturing centres. Those who work in these manufacturing centres get wages for the conversion of fibre into products. We have three fibre curling (for mattresses) units in the state.

What are the products made out of coir?
Coir mats and rope mats are the main products. Rubberised coir products like mattresses are available in all standard sizes and required thickness. Coir cushions are also available in our showrooms.

How do you procure the coir for your products?
We buy coconut husk from farmers a cost of Rs 62-Rs 200 for 1,000 coconut husks. Farmers have benefited since KSCDCL has started buying coconut husks. Earlier, they were simply throwing away the husks.

What is the demand for coir products in the state?
The demand for coir products is picking up since coir is nature friendly.

What are KSCDCL future plans?
We want to develop the coir industry in the state. But that depends on the budgetary support of the State government.

Ramanna Naik is of the opinion that the private sector should enter into the coir industry and produce utility coir products. Even the pith in the coconut husk is used extensively by the plywood industry in the manufacture of ply-boards.

For any enquires, call Ramanna Naik at

Address: Post Box No. 198, No.42,
First floor, Mehra Complex,
Millers Road, Bangalore - 560 052.

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