In a major step to revive Kerala’s traditional coir sector, the state government has announced the setting up of a yarn bank to address the severe shortage of coir fibre.

Industries and Coir Minister P. Rajeeve said that the project, with an allocation of ₹5 crore, aims to ensure a steady supply of raw fibre to coir units across the state and protect the livelihoods of more than two lakh workers, nearly 80 percent of them women.

The yarn bank will be jointly managed by the Kerala State Coir Corporation Ltd and the Kerala State Co-operative Coir Marketing Federation Ltd (Coirfed). It will stockpile fibre for a year, giving both small and large units access to raw material at affordable rates. While the final location is yet to be decided, officials confirmed it will be set up in a region with large-scale coir activity for maximum benefit.

With this initiative, the state aims to restore stability in the industry, secure raw materials, safeguard exports, and protect the livelihoods of more than two lakh workers dependent on Kerala’s oldest traditional trade.