Kerala keen on promoting newly developed coir ornaments

The humble coir is all set to go places. Coir bouquets, necklaces, rings and earrings have taken visitors to the ongoing Coir Expo here by surprise.

"Coir bouquets are all set to give bouquets made out of natural flowers a run for its money," said K.M. Muhammed Anil, managing director of the Kerala State Cooperative Coir Marketing Federation (Coirfed).

Bouquet of Coir flowers at the Coir expo in Alappuzha (Photos: IANS)

He said there was a ready market for coir products in Kerala.

"Once coir bouquets take roots in the state, we will explore markets in other parts of the country and abroad," he said, adding that each bouquet will cost Rs.75-100.

The prototype of the bouquet has been developed with the support of NABARD (National bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).

"This is among several innovative projects approved as part of our diversification plan," Anil added.

Among other value-added products from Coirfed at this year's coir expo are a range of ornaments. "These ornaments have been getting a lot of eyeballs. We are hopeful of making these innovative coir ornaments a commercial success," he said.

The ornaments, like necklace, ring and earring, have a price range of Rs.750-1,000.

The coir products are eco-friendly and enjoy a ready market in Kerala.

Coirfed plans to go for exports also.

"But before launching the products in the international market, we have to set some standards," he said. "In the US and European countries, the quality standards are very high. We have to take this factor into account." - IANS