Hartals sound death knell for coir sector: FICEA

Alappuzha: The hartal culture in the state will sound the death knell  of the traditional coir business which is directly connected to over three lakh people, according to the  Federation of Indian Coir Exporters’ Association. Mr Sajan B. Nair, general secretary, FICEA,  said that many   entrepreneurs were forced to shift their business to other states  due to the hartal menace.  

Tamil Nadu has gone way ahead in coir production and innovations. Unnecessary strikes,  opposition to mechanisation and low price of coconut products were hurting the  traditional business.  The latest back-to-back hartal had caused a loss of  '5 crore  to the industry.  Many products  could not be exported in time leading to serious consequences,  he said.