Coir is one of the oldest industries in India. It contributes significantly to the economy of the country’s major coconut-producing states, i.e. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Assam, Orissa, Andaman & Nicobar, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, etc. India, the major global coconut producer, accounts for more than two third of the world’s coir and coir products production. India along with Sri Lanka accounts for about 90% of the total global coir fibre production. India produces about 280,000 metric tonnes (MT) of coir fibre annually.
The coir industry employs about 5.5 lakh (0.55 million) people in the country. Kerala accounts for about 61% of India’s coconut production, and 85% of coir products. The industry is a good source of employment in the country’s rural economy, especially for the women population.
India produces coir fibre, yarn, mats, mattings, rugs, non-woven products, geotextiles, piths and other coir products. The coir pith, fibre and mats account for the majority of the coir exports out of India in terms of quantity with a share of 56.38%, 32.35% and 7.52% in 2021-22, respectively. In terms of the exported value, the percentage share of coir pith, tufted mats and fibre was 52.05%, 23.07% and 14.67%, respectively, during 2021-22.