Kerala to disburse retirement benefits to 16,000 coir workers

"The government will provide retirement benefits to the 16,000 who retired before 2006. This will cost the government Rs.10.76 crore," said Minister for Coir Adoor Prakash.

He was announcing the programme schedule of 'Coir Kerala 2013' to be held here in February 2013.

The coir industry in Kerala provides livelihood to nearly 3.5 lakh people, mostly women, who constitute 76 percent of the workforce of the agro-based sector.

Prakash said the previous two editions of Coir Kerala had boosted the profile of the Kerala's traditional coir sector.

"Coir exports increased to Rs.1,050 crore in 2011-12 from Rs.808 crore in 2010-11. We are trying to make this event more beneficial to all stakeholders by attracting more buyers and sellers, increasing public participation and providing better facilities," he said.

Coir Kerala 2013 is expected to attract 150 international buyers, including those from Latin American and African countries, besides 300-odd buyers from various parts of the country.