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ABSTRACT

The coir industry is a vital sector globally, deriving its significance from the extraction and
utilization of fibers obtained from coconut husks. These fibers are processed to manufacture a
diverse range of products, including mats, rugs, ropes, brushes, and geotextiles. This industry
holds substantial economic importance, particularly in regions where coconut cultivation is
prevalent, providing employment opportunities and contributing to export revenues.One of
the notable characteristics of coir products is their eco-friendliness, as they are biodegradable
and renewable, aligning well with growing consumer preferences for sustainable alternatives.
Coir products are valued for their durability, moisture retention properties, and resistance to
rot and decay.Challenges facing the coir industry include fluctuations in raw material
availability, price volatility, and competition from synthetic alternatives. Nevertheless,
ongoing research and technological advancements are enhancing production processes and
driving product innovation, bolstering the industry’s resilience.

The global market for coir products spans multiple sectors, including agriculture, horticulture,
landscaping, erosion control, and manufacturing. This versatility ensures a steady demand for
coir products across various applications. Moreover, the coir industry plays a crucial role in
promoting environmental sustainability through organic farming practices, soil conservation,
and erosion control. As concerns over climate change and environmental degradation
escalate, the importance of coir in sustainable agriculture and land management is
increasingly recognized. In conclusion, the coir industry’s significance extends beyond
economic value, encompassing environmental stewardship and social welfare. With ongoing
innovation and market expansion, it is poised to continue contributing positively to
sustainable development globally.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

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1 INTRODUCTION TO SKANDA COIR PRODUCTS

Established in 2012, India Skanda Coir Products has gained immense expertise in
supplying & trading of Coir yarn, coir rope, coir mat etc. The supplier company is
located in Kotoor, Muliyar, Kasaragod - 671542, Kerala and is one of the leading
sellers of listed products. Buy Coir yarn, coir rope, coir mat in bulk from us for the
best quality products and service.The figure 1 shows the photo of skanda coir
products.

Fig. 1. Skanda coir products

1.1.Aim of the visit

The aim of the visit is to identify, know, study and understand the traditional skill and
practices Followed around the locality of our institution. The primary objective of the
visit to the coir industry is to conduct a comprehensive analysis aimed at gaining a
deep understanding of its operations, dynamics, and potential for growth and
development. This entails delving into various facets of the industry, ranging from
raw material sourcing to product distribution channels. Through on-site observations,
discussions with industry experts, and analysis of production processes, the aim is to
assess the industry’s current state, identify key challenges and opportunities, and
formulate strategies for enhancing its competitiveness and sustainability. Moreover,
the visit seeks to explore innovative practices, technologies, and market trends

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shaping the coir industry landscape. By fostering collaborations, networking with

industry stakeholders, and examining regulatory frameworks, the visit aims to
contribute to the advancement and optimization of the coir industry, ensuring its long-
term viability and relevance in the global market.

1.2. Location map

Location map of Skanda coir products from our institution is shown in figure 2.

Fig. 2. Location map of Skanda coir products from the Institution

1.3. Distance from the Institution

The Skanda coir products located 24 KM from our institution and is the famous coir
products in the kasaragod district.

1 HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL SKANDA COIR PRODUCTS

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The first recorded history of coconut in the country dates back to Ramayana period. In the
Valmiki Ramayana there are references of coconut in the Kishkindha Kanda and Aranya
Kanda. It is reported that Ramayana was written by Valmiki sometimes in 3 rd Century
BC. Generally it is believed that coconut was introduced in India during the post-Vedic
period.

The history of Coir and its association with the state of Kerala dates back to the 19 th
Century. Sandwiched between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the
west, Kerala is one of the most beautiful States in India. A tropical paradise of waving
coconut palms and wide sandy beaches, this thin strip of coastal territory slopes down
from the mountain ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation and varied fauna. One of
the most commonly seen tropical trees in Kerala is the Coconut tree. In fact, even the
name Kerala (Kerlam in Malayalam) is derived from this tree (“Kera” in Malayalam
language means Coconut and “Alam” means Land, thus Keralam = Land of Coconut).
Everything from Kerala’s culture to its dishes is evolved around the Coconut tree.

Alleppey (Alappuzha in Malayalam) is the nerve centre of Kerala’s famous Coir industry.
Here, one can see coconut husks being beaten into fibre for making beautiful mats and
other coir products. Both men and women are actively involved in the production of Coir.
The women are mainly involved in the yarn spinning sector and the men in the product-
weaving sector. Coir Industry enjoys the status as the largest Cottage Industry in the State
of Kerala, giving employment to over a million people. Kerala also has a very fine natural
harbour located at Cochin ( Kochi). From the ancient times itself Cochin had found a
place in the minds of Europeans as a trading centre because of its port and spices.Some of
the historical monuments left behind by the early travelers at Cochin are the Chinese
fishing nets that were introduced during the medieval ages by traders from the Court of
Kublai Khan. St. Francis Church considered as the oldest European church in India was
built by the Portuguese sailor Vasco Da Gama during the period 1503 to 1524. The Jew
Synagogue built by early Jewish settlers in the period 1568 is another notable historical
monument.

2.1Traditional Knowledge in coir products

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Traditional knowledge is deeply embedded in the production of coir products,

reflecting centuries-old practices and techniques passed down through generations.
These methods encompass the entire coir-making process, from the extraction of
fibers from coconut husks to the weaving of intricate designs in mats, ropes, and
brushes. Communities with a long history of working with coir have developed
specialized expertise and craftsmanship, honed over time to create high-quality,
durable products.

This traditional knowledge not only preserves cultural heritage but also contributes to
sustainability by utilizing natural materials and minimizing environmental impact. For
example, traditional coir production often involves manual labor and simple tools,
reducing the need for energy-intensive machinery and synthetic materials.
Additionally, the use of locally sourced coconut husks promotes economic
development in rural areas where coconuts are abundant.

Furthermore, traditional coir-making techniques prioritize efficiency and waste

reduction, with by-products such as coconut shell and coir dust often finding
secondary uses in agriculture or as fuel. By integrating traditional knowledge into
modern coir production, artisans uphold the authenticity and integrity of their craft
while meeting contemporary market demands for eco-friendly and ethically produced
goods. In essence, traditional knowledge in coir products serves as a bridge between
the past and the present, connecting communities to their cultural heritage while also
addressing the challenges of sustainable development in the 21st century.

Table 1: Traditional coir manufacturing in kasaragod district

Sl. No NAME LOCATION

Anantapura ,Industrial Development Plot,
1 Kalpashree Fibres
Kasaragod, Kerala 671321
Kotoor, Muliyar, Kasaragod – 671542, Ker-
2 Skanda coir products
ala
Ullody, post, yerppakatte, Bela, Kasaragod,
3 Coir factory
Kerala 671124

2.2Traditional Skills used in coir Production

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The production of coir involves a myriad of traditional skills passed down through
generations, each crucial to the crafting process:

 Husking: Skilled workers adeptly husk coconuts, extracting the fibrous husk
essential for coir production. This process requires precision to ensure the
extraction of long, sturdy fibers.

 Fiber Extraction: Traditional methods of fiber extraction involve soaking the

coconut husks in water to soften them, followed by manual beating or
mechanical processes to separate the fibers from the husk. This step requires a
delicate balance to extract high-quality fibers without damaging them.

 Retting: After extraction, the fibers undergo a process called retting, where
they are soaked in water or buried in moist soil to further soften and loosen the
fibers. This traditional technique helps improve the flexibility and strength of
the fibers.

 Spinning and Twisting : Skilled artisans spin and twist the coir fibers into
yarns or ropes using traditional spinning wheels or handheld tools. This
process requires dexterity and an intimate knowledge of fiber properties to
produce consistent and durable products.

 Weaving and Braiding: Coir fibers are woven into various products such as
mats, rugs, and baskets using traditional weaving techniques. Artisans employ
intricate patterns and designs, often passed down through oral traditions, to
create unique and functional pieces.

 Dyeing and Finishing: Some coir products are dyed using natural dyes derived
from plants and minerals, following traditional recipes and methods.
Additionally, finishing touches such as trimming, brushing, and polishing are
done by hand to enhance the appearance and durability of the final products.

 Tool Making: Traditional coir production often involves the crafting of

specialized tools such as husking knives, fiber-extraction tools, and weaving
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implements. Skilled artisans handcraft these tools using locally available

materials, adapting them to suit specific tasks and techniques.

These traditional skills not only contribute to the production of high-quality coir
products but also serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and ingenuity of
communities where coconuts thrive. Preserving and passing on these skills are
essential for sustaining traditional coir production practices and supporting
livelihoods in many regions around the world.

2.3Traditional Practices Followed in coir Production.

 Smart Husking Tools: Creating efficient tools for husking coconuts, reducing

waste.

 Inventive Retting Methods: Trying natural ways to speed up retting without

compromising fiber quality.

 Artistic Beating Techniques: Using different methods to achieve unique coir

textures.

 Gentle Cleaning Innovations: Designing machinery that cleans fibers thor-

oughly without damage.

 Creative Weaving Patterns: Crafting visually appealing coir products with

unique weaving styles.

 Natural Dye Exploration: Experimenting with plant extracts for eco-friendly

dyeing.

 Eco-Friendly Drying Solutions: Developing sustainable drying methods like

solar dryers.

 Decorative Finishing Touches: Adding special designs to enhance the beauty

of coir products.

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2.4Traditional Process of coir Production.

 Husking: Removing fibers from coconut husks.

 Soaking: Softening fibers in water.

 Beating: Separating long fibers from short ones.

 Cleaning: Removing debris and impurities.

 Spinning or Weaving: Creating yarn or weaving mats and ropes.

 Drying: Air or sun drying the products.

 Finishing: Adding final touches before packaging

3 SKANDA COIR PRODUCTS.

In skanda coir products they makes the coir using the naturally available Husk co-

conuts . There are 10 workers on the production unit. They were working for 5 to 12

years on Same production unit. In this production unit they make variety of products.

These products are Sold on their production unit and the price were reasonable for

customers. They can make Products based on the required designs of customers.

3.1 Establishment details.

This institution is established in 2012.

3.2 Products details.

Table 2 represent the name of coir products , they make in there production unit. The

items are coir fiber,coir pith,coir rope,coir doormat etc.

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Table 2: name of the products

Sl. No Products name
1 Coir fiber
2 Coir pith
3 Coir doormat
4 Coir rope

1.COIR FIBER:

Coir Fibre is extracted from the fibrous outer cover of the fruit of the Coconut palm,
with or without retting. Coir Fibre is graded based on its nature ofbextraction, colour,
presence of long and short fibres, impurities etc. Figure 3 shows the coir fiber.

Fig. 3. Coir fiber

2.COIR PITH:
A spongy material that binds the coconut fibre in the husk, coir pith is finding new
applications. It is an excellent soil conditioner and is being extensively used as a soil-
less medium for agri-horticultural purposes. With its moisture retention qualities, coir
pith is ideal for growing anthuriums and orchids. Available in raw form or converted
into organic manure. Figure 4 shows the coir pith.

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Fig. 4. Coir pith

3COIR DOORMAT :

A coir mat is a type of doormat made from the husks of coconuts. The fibres are
woven together to create a durable, long-lasting, water-absorbent mat that’s great at
getting dirt and moisture off your shoes. Figure 5 shows the coir doormat.

Fig. 5 shows the coir doormat.

4.COIR ROPE:

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Our coconut fiber rope, also known as coir rope, is made of authentic coconut fibers
that are woven and spun using state-of-the-art machinery to achieve high uniformity,
durability and strength. Figure 6 shows the coir rope.

Fig. 6 shows the coir rope.

3.3.Production flow diagram.

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The figure 7 shows the production flow diagram of the Skanda Coir Products.

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