Parliament Question: Underutilization of resources and structural gaps in coir industry of Maharashtra

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2652 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026 UNDERUTILIZATION OF RESOURCES AND STRUCTURAL GAPS IN COIR INDUSTRY OF MAHARASHTRA 2652. SHRI DHAIRYASHIL MOHAN PATIL: Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware of the fact that despite having 1,056 registered coir units and ample availability of coconut husk, only about one per cent of the raw material is being utilized for coir products in the State of Maharashtra; (b) whether coir processing and value-added manufacturing in the State is limited as compared to that in other States; (c) the current status and performance of common facility centers and training centers established in the Konkan region; and (d) the steps proposed to strengthen SFURTI clusters, skill development, value addition and export in the coir sector of the State of Maharashtra. ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) and (b): The utilisation of coconut husk for coir products, coir processing and value-added manufacturing activities depends on several factors such as the extent of coconut cultivation, the availability and quality of husk after primary use of coconuts, infrastructure and machinery, market demand, local consumption patterns and participation of local entrepreneurs and skilled artisans. The Coir Board, a statutory body under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, is mandated for the development and growth of coir industry in India including in the State of Maharashtra through technology upgradation, skill development and market promotion activities. (c) and (d): 2 coir clusters have been approved in the Konkan region under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI). The clusters are supported through a wide range of Soft Interventions aimed at strengthening artisan and farmer capabilities, improving productivity, and enhancing market linkages. These interventions include general awareness programmes; skill development and capacity building across the entire value chain; and training in machine handling and maintenance. The current status and performance of the 2 approved coir clusters in Konkan region is as under:: 2 : Total Approved GoI Artisans Sl. committed Cluster Name Status District proposed to no assistance (INR be in Lakhs) benefited 1. Pendur Cluster Functional 685 191.51 Sawantwadi Under Sindhudurg 2. 328 174.47 Cluster Implementation Total 1,013 365.98 The initiatives under Coir Vikas Yojana to strengthen value addition, skill development and exports in the coir sector include: i. Development and dissemination of improved technologies, processes and value-added coir products ii. Skill development and training of coir artisans and entrepreneurs iii. Promotion of domestic and export markets through participation in domestic and international exhibitions, market development assistance, exporter awareness programmes etc. ******