President Pranab Mukherjee today called for modernizing coir industry as it provides employment to large number of women in coastal areas. Addressing the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Coir Board in New Delhi, Mr Mukherjee said, upgradation of infrastructure is essential to boost morale of the work force, enhance productivity and improve quality of products.

Stating that coir neither poses health risks nor creates pollution, he said due attention is being paid to the development of environment-friendly technologies and production processes. The president mentioned that adequate allocations have been made in the 12th plan to expand this traditional agro-based cottage industry further.

On the occasion, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprizes, MSME, K H Muniappa said that MSME sector provides livelihood to around 80 million people engaged in 36 million enterprizes. He said this sector has earned foreign exchange to the tune of 1116 crore rupees through exports during last financial year.