The state government will spend Rs 52.86 crore in thecoir sectorduringOnam, said industries ministerP Rajeev. This will be used for the payment for the procurement of coir throughcoirfed, for procurement of coir products throughcoir corporation, income support scheme and production incentive.

The minister also inaugurated the welfare pension for two months given by the government through Coir workers welfare board. The government provided for Rs 24.48 crore for this. The pension of Rs 3,200 for the months of July and August are being distributed using this. Around 76,500 workers will get the benefit of this pension, he said.

The minister also said that following the second lockdown, the members of the Coir workers welfare fund board were being distributed an aid of Rs 1,000 each. Already 40,000 workers have got this fund, he said.

The usage of the coconut husk produced in the state has risen to 18%. Currently 35% of the coconut fibre we require is being produced here itself. Efforts are being taken to increase this to 45%, the minister said.

The coir production, which was only 7,000 tonnes in 2015-16, has increased to 25,000 tonnes, he said. This will reach 30,000 tonnes in the future, he said.