MSME Ministry Boosts Coir Scheme for Rural Exports

India’s coir industry—the world’s largest producer and exporter of coconut husk fiber products—continues to drive rural entrepreneurship, sustainable manufacturing, and economic empowerment. Accounting for roughly two-thirds of global coir output, the sector generated a turnover of approximately ₹16,000 crore ($1.81 billion) in FY26, contributing nearly 1% to national GDP. Sectoral exports rose to ₹6,614.40 crore ($748.01 million) in FY26, representing a 305.70% surge in rupee terms since FY15. Key export destinations include the US, China, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK, with coir pith, fiber, yarn, and tufted mats driving export volumes. Encompassing over 21,000 production units, the industry provides direct and indirect livelihoods to more than seven lakh workers, with women comprising nearly 80% of the rural workforce. Under the Ministry of MSME's Coir Vikas Yojana, the sector is modernizing through machine innovation, technology transfer, skill development, and financial incentives. Over 21,000 coir units have registered on the Udyam portal since FY15, integrating 2.3 lakh personnel into the formal MSME ecosystem. Training initiatives have upskilled more than 68,000 individuals—over 80% of whom are women—while fostering the creation of 150+ innovative value-added products and mechanized tools. Complementary support through the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), export market promotions, and domestic trade exhibitions continues to catalyze rural micro-enterprises in coir rope, mats, and bio-fertilizers, reinforcing inclusive economic growth across coastal and rural belts.