2014 - 60 Years of Coir Board | Commemorative Coin

The 2nd commemorative coin of 2014 was released to mark the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Coir Board of India.

The Coir Board of India is one of the country’s oldest statutory bodies dedicated to the promotion and development of the coir industry, an industry deeply rooted in India’s rural and coastal traditions. Established under the Coir Industry Act of 1953, the Board plays a vital role in nurturing one of the most eco-friendly sectors of Indian agriculture-based manufacturing. Coir, derived from the fibrous husk of coconut, has been used in India for centuries to make ropes, mats, floor coverings and a wide variety of household and industrial products. With millions of people, especially women, relying on coir for their livelihoods, the Coir Board has emerged as a crucial institution supporting employment, innovation and sustainable growth.

From its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala, the Coir Board oversees the organized development of the coir sector through research, training, quality control and market expansion. Its research institutes, such as the Central Coir Research Institute at Kalavoor and the Central Institute of Coir Technology in Bengaluru, have contributed significantly to improving product quality, diversifying coir applications and introducing scientific methods into traditional processing techniques. Innovations like the introduction of coir pith blocks, geotextiles and rubberized coir have opened new markets and increased global demand, transforming coir into a versatile material used in agriculture, construction, horticulture and engineering.

One of the Board’s major contributions lies in empowering artisans and workers in rural regions. Through training centres, skill development programmes and cooperative initiatives, the Board helps workers adopt modern machinery, access financing and improve productivity. Schemes such as the Coir Udyami Yojana and cluster development programmes offer critical support to small-scale entrepreneurs, encouraging self-employment and strengthening the cottage industry structure. Women, who constitute a significant portion of the coir workforce, have particularly benefited from these initiatives, gaining greater financial independence and opportunities for skilled employment.

The Coir Board has also been instrumental in promoting Indian coir products in global markets. Participation in international trade fairs, buyer–seller meets, branding campaigns and export facilitation measures have positioned India as the world’s leading supplier of high-quality coir and coir-based products. The industry’s natural, biodegradable and durable characteristics have made coir increasingly attractive in markets that value eco-friendly alternatives, helping India maintain a strong export presence.

In addition to its commercial role, the Board actively supports sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Coir production makes use of coconut husks that would otherwise go to waste, contributing to the circular economy. The promotion of geotextiles, which help prevent soil erosion and support vegetation growth, underscores the Board’s commitment to ecological conservation.

The Coir Board today stands as a symbol of India’s ability to blend traditional crafts with modern innovation. By supporting artisans, encouraging entrepreneurship and expanding global outreach, it has helped preserve a centuries-old industry while ensuring that it remains relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing world. Its continued efforts reflect a dedication not only to economic development but also to cultural heritage, sustainability and community empowerment.

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