G Balachandran, Chairman of Coir Board said that India shall see foreign exchange earnings to the Rs 1,000 crore mark through the export of coir pith in the coming years. During the 2011-12 period, foreign exchange earnings via export of the commodity stood at Rs 220 crore. Balachandran was speaking at the inaugration of a seminar Coir Pith Utilization and Women Empowerment in Bangalore.

Currently, the city is hosting a five-day long Karnataka Coir Expo. Nasimul Alam Chowdhury, Bangladeshi Member of Parliament was guest of honor at the event. The expo targets enhancing SME participation with leaders in the coir industry.

Women empowerment is an offshoot of the coir industry since a number of small households participate in various stages of coir production. The Coir Board plans further development across the industry verticals in the state to enhance employment opportunities.