Automatic coir spinning machine

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A new state-of-the-art automatic coir spinning machine developed by the National Coir Research and Management Institute (NCRMI) is all set to be commissioned as part of the 100-day programme of the UDF Government.“The daily production of coir will increase with approximately 60 kg of coir being developed in eight hours. Besides enhancing productivity, the yarn produced is of superior quality and ideal for making handloom products,’’ said Coir Minister Adoor Prakash at a press conference here to announce the 100-day action plan.Another major initiative will be the inauguration of  road construction projects using coir geotextiles, for which the government  has sought the active co-operation of the panchayats. The target roads for using the coir geotextile will be the ones in the panchayat.  The Minister said that NCRMI will provide  the technical know-how to popularise coir geotextiles in various sectors.The powerloom factory at Kanichukulangara in Alappuzha will be commissioned on August 31 and  the coir bed factory at Beypore unit will be commissioned by end of July. The small de-fibring machines developed by the NCRMI will become functional at Kollam and Alappuzha.  As many as five machines each will be commissioned in both the districts.The government has zeroed in on a couple of locations in the state to be developed under the model coir village project, which will boost the domestic and foreign market for coir and coir products. To overcome the shortage of coir fibre,  the State Government would look into the import of fibre from Philippines and Sri Lanka,  the minister  said.The renovated dye house and rubber backing unit of the Coir Corporation in Alappuzha, which had been given Rs 111.6 lakh for renovation, will resume functioning soon. The family pension for coir workers for a period of five months will be distributed before Onam,  the minister said.