Coir panel moots massive mechanisation

Apex Body for Coir for comprehensive growth of the sector recommended Anathalavattom Anandan, MLA, headed the panel. Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Coir Commission has recommended a huge outlay for coir development and a massive programme of mechanisation to boost production and productivity. The commission, headed by CPI (M) MLA Anathalavattom Anandan, in its report presented to the government on Friday, suggested an outlay of Rs.450 crore for implementing a rehabilitation programme over a period of four years. It suggested three special programmes for procuring husk involving husk agents, besides setting up husk procurement cooperatives and a procurement consortium. It also recommended an annual outlay of Rs.13.77 crore for husk procurement, including a subsidy component. The commission said 100 defibreing units would be... [read full story]