Coir Board Plans 15 New Clusters in Andhra Pradesh

The Coir Board, a government agency under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, has announced its plan to establish 15 new coir clusters in Andhra Pradesh. Coir is a natural fibre extracted from coconut husks, commonly used to make ropes, mats, brushes, and other products. The clusters are intended to boost the production and processing of coir in the state, which has a significant coconut-growing region. Each cluster will bring together local farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to improve efficiency, share resources, and create better market access. The initiative aims to generate employment, especially in rural areas, and increase the income of those involved in the coir value chain. The Coir Board will provide technical support, training, and financial assistance to set up the clusters. Andhra Pradesh is one of the major coconut-producing states in India, with vast plantations in districts like East Godavari, West Godavari, and Srikakulam. However, the coir industry in the state has not reached its full potential due to lack of infrastructure and organised processing units. The new clusters are expected to address these gaps by establishing common facility centres, training workers in modern techniques, and linking producers to domestic and export markets. The Coir Board has previously set up similar clusters in other states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have helped strengthen the coir sector. The exact locations and timeline for the Andhra Pradesh clusters have not been disclosed yet, but the board is working with state government officials to identify suitable sites. This move aligns with the government’s broader push for rural development and sustainable livelihoods.