CHAPTER - II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Transcription

1 CHAPTER - II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 INTRODUCTION Review of literature is a critical analysis of a segment of published body of knowledge through summary, classification and comparison of prior research studies and theoretical articles. The aim of literature review is to show that the writer has studied existing work in the field with insight. A good literature review presents a clear case and context for the project that makes up the rest of the thesis. So, a good literature review raises questions and identifies areas to be explored. Thus in this part, the previous studies pertaining to coir industry have been summarized. 2.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE Baskaran Unnithum (1968) 1 in his study, Coir Industry in India with special reference to Marketing and Trade analysed the cost of production of different varieties of coir and coir products in detail. He stated that Mechanization was the key to cost reduction. He also studied in detail the marketing of coir and stated that marketing of coir could be studied by adopting two approaches namely the institutional approach and the functional approach. He further stated that both approaches could be used simultaneously to understand the problems of marketing of coir. 1 Baskaran Unnithum (1968), Coir Industry in India with special reference to Marketing and Trade, unpublished Ph.D. Thesis submitted to University of Kerala, Thirvananthapuram, pp

2 Divakaran S., et al., (1969) 2 in their article, Utilization of salughta house as a Retting agent for Coir opined that the price of coir and other products manufactured was caused by the increased process costs of retting and defibreing as they were more conventional. They stated that the cost and price minimization would alone ensure the revival of the coir industry. The study concluded that the cost reduction was possible if the period of retting could be reduced to some extent. Vimal O.P. (1976) 3 described various uses of Coconut pith, which was considered to be a waste. The areas where this can be used included building industry, manufacture of gasket, agriculture, storage batteries, electroplating and in rubber compounding. The divergent uses of the pith were considered as a waste material holds great potential. Varkey V.O. (1981) 4 Doctorial thesis was a detailed study of the coir Cooperatives with special reference to primary coir Vyavasaya Co-operatives. The study has made an attempt to analyse the organization and development of coir cooperatives, the working of coir co-operatives operating at different stages, the role played by different developmental agencies, besides studying in particular the problems and prospects of primary coir Vyavasaya Co-operatives. Along with these the socio-economic profile of the coir workers- both co-operatives and private sectors were also analysed by the author. 2 Divakaran S., et al., (1969), Utilization of salughta house as a Retting Agent for Coir, Coir Quarterly Journal, pp Vimal O.P. (1976), "Wealth from Waste- Coconut Pith", Yojana, Vol. XXV, pp Varkey V.O. (1981), Development and Working of Coir Co-operatives in Kerala, unpublished Ph.D. Thesis submitted to the University of Pune. 23

3 Kurian and Tessy (1982) 5 Coir yarn production, one of the processes in the coir was the subject of analysis by Tessy Kurian. She tried to explain the sailent features of the coir industry, the various types of coir yarn and its end use, spinning of yarn and organization of production in the yarn spinning sector of both hand and machined. This study gave a special emphasis on the role of co-operatives in the yarn sector as well as various marketing channels, problems and prospects of yarn production in Kerala. Badar Alam Iqbal (1983) 6 explained the development of coir goods. The main object must be to make improvement in the working as well as the economic condition of the labour force. Alam suggested the strengthening of coir co-operative because co-operatives assure the optimum flow of workers. If co-operatives work properly and efficiently they will prove to be highly beneficial to entire labour force engaged in the manufacture of coir products. Gopala Krishna Asari V. (1984) 7 gave a clear account of rural coir, cooperatives that have been introduced with a view to add to the production of coir and coir products and to take care of the welfare of the people employed in the coir industry. Asari detailed the structure and functioning of coir co-operatives in Kerala. The coir co-operatives should prove themselves to be the pivots for trade union activities while performing functions such as increasing the marketing facilities for 5 Kurian and Tessy (1982), Production and Marketing of Coir Yarn in Kerala, unpublished M.Phil. Dissertation submitted to CUSAT, Cochin, pp Badar Alam Iqbal (1983), Coir Goods Diminishing Role in Economic Development, Kisan World, Vol. X, No. 8, pp Gopala Krishna Asari V. (1984), A Profile of Village Coir Co-operatives, Kurukshetra, Vol. XXXIV, No. 6, pp

4 coir products, purchase and sales of husks and enabling the member for getting cheap loans, bonus and subsidies. According to him, illiteracy among the employees in the coir industry and some political problems had been responsible for the slow and steady growth of coir co-operatives. Government of Kerala (1984) 8 analysed the coir industry as a part of studying various traditional industries in Kerala. It went through the structure of coir industry and made an all-india view about employment in coir industry, production of coir products, out-lay and expenditure in coir industry during the five year plans, progress of co-operatives in coir sector, various government regulations in coir industry including prohibiting the use of defibreing machinery etc. It also gave an account of the export statistics of various coir products from to The committee put forward some major recommendations for the upliftment of the coir Industry. The most important recommendation of the committee related to prohibition of women working in defibreing and retting operations and standardization of coir yarn produced in different localities into three or four groups. Isaac Thomas T.M. (1984) 9 stated that the structural retrogression in the coir industry can be explained with reference to the uneven development of the trade union movement and the consequent wage differentials between the large scale and micro scale units. The development of militant trade union movement in the small manufacturing sector and its success in raising the wages, accompanied by small 8 Government of Kerala (1984), State Planning Board, Report of the High Level Committee on Industry, Trade and Power-Report on Large and Medium Traditional Industries, Vol.11, Thiruvananthapuram. 9 Isaac Thomasm T.M. (1984), Class Struggle and Industrial Structure: A Case Study of Coir Weaving Industry in Kerala 1959 to 1980, unpublished Thesis submitted to JNU at CDS, Thiruvanathapuram. 25

5 producers movement in that sector and the consequent erosion of the cheap labour basis hand-loom, forced the capitalist to shift the technical basis of production by introducing power loom. Jeffrey Robin (1984) 10 in his article, narrates the historical background of coir industry, features of labour movement in this sector of Kerala state etc. The article throws light on the caste system that prevailed in the Kerala society and how it decays the society and the coir workers. The role and influence of 'rnoopan' among coir workers is also touched in the article. He also tries to link the labour movement (their militancy and stamina) in coir industry with Punnapra Vayalar Revolt in 1946 in Kerala. Dinesh C. (1985) 11 made a study on organizing the coir co-operatives. The study revealed that it is necessary to organize large co-operatives combining the operations right from the primary process to the finished products to promote marketing. The societies should be large enough to incorporate a variety of processing. Department of Economics and Statistics (1986) 12 conducted a study on production and consumption of coir and coir products in Kerala. The study also examined activities including marketing so that they might function as visible 10 Jeffrey Robin (1984), "Destroy Capitalism Growing Solidarity of Allepey's Coir Workers, Economic and Political Week, Vol. XIX. 11 Dinesh C. (1985), Coir in search of Liabilities, Ceres, Vol. XIV, pp Department of Economics and Statistics (1986), A Survey to Estimate the Production and Consumption of Coir and Coir Goods in Kerala, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. 26

6 institutions if a right type of co-operative organization is created the potential of coir production in other states in India. Production and consumption, nature of coir, employment in this sector, units engaged in organized and unorganized sector in various activities of coir work were also assessed. The report also analysed the distribution of workers in the coir producing units, nature of employment, classification of coir workers as regular wage paid employees and unpaid family workers and distribution of units according to the number of hours worked per day. The study revealed that, the coir industry still continues with unpaid family workers which constituted about 72 per cent of the total workers in the industry and there were considerable under-employment in the industry and the workers were getting only less than 181 days of work in a year. It also revealed that there is considerable under Utilization of equipment due to lack of raw material at a reasonable price. Ajith Kumar P. (1987) 13 in his article concluded that, the coir yarn is the chief item of consumption within the country. It is marketed by private traders. According to him domestic market for coir goods has not fully been exploited, particularly for door mats and matting s. Therefore along with the intensification effort for expanding the export market for coir goods, efforts should also be made to strengthen the domestic market for withstanding the stress and strain of a fluctuating export market. 13 Ajith Kumar P. (1987), "Home Market of Coir", Coir Board, Vol. XXXI, No. 1, pp

7 Government of Kerala (1987) 14 in an article, relating to the Coir and Modernization for development of coir industry in Kerala analyses the earlier steps taken by the Government for supporting coir cooperation and the problems faced by coir industry and coir co-operatives. The article has given a detailed account of co-operative scheme and emphasizes the need for Mechanization and modernization. Gopalan Nair N. (1987) 15 while explaining the relevance of coir industry and coir co-operatives in Kerala finds out that the traditional decentralized nature of the coir industry was the major factor that retarded effective quality control. He also has given a brief picture of the technology improvement attempted by the Coir Board and observes that it was essential for reducing human drudgery to a great extent. He identifies that co-operatives are the best agency for effective transformation of results of research to the industry. Pillai M.P. (1987) 16 in his article, while explaining various measures taken by the central and state governments for the development of coir industry and coir societies, reminds that 85 per cent of the coir products are marketed in the internal market and finds it very difficult to catch the external market. He also suggests to implement Mechanization in the husk beating sector and to try to reduce the workers of this sector. 14 Government of Kerala (1987), An Action Programme for Total Development of Coir Industry in Kerala", Kerala Industry, Vol. XXXIV, No. VIII, pp Gopalan Nair N. (1987), "Role of Co-operatives in Improvement of Technology and Quality in Coir Industry", Kerala Industry, Vol. XXXIV, No. VIII, pp PilIai M.P. (1987), "Keralathile Coir Vyavasayam", Kerala Industry, Vol. XXXIV, No. VIII, pp

8 Malik I.R. (1988) 17 examined the historical background of coir co-operatives in Kerala. According to him until the starting of coir development scheme during , there were no organized attempts made to stabilise and strengthen the industry. The industry was depending on the initiative, enterprise and financial resources of the private industrialists. He found out that the weaknesses of central coir societies (not existing now) were due to the shortage of working capital and concluded with a suggestion that coir co-operatives should be strengthened in order to protect foreign exchange earnings and to prevent the throwing of workers out of employment. Perumal V.T. (1988) 18 observed that labour cost works out to 30 to 48 per cent of the total cost in the case of yarn produced under the conventional method. The study stated that the labour cost could be kept low as Mechanization was introduced in the spinning area. The machine could not only increase the production of coir but also improve the quality of yarn in such a way to fetch a better price for the producers and higher wages for the workers. He concluded that pursuing research claiming at reducing the cost of production and increasing production, productivity, quality of coir and coir products was due need of the hour. Gangi Reddy Y. (1989) 19 in his article, Growth Performance of Village and small industries analysed that the growth performance of rural industries (Khadi and 17 Malik I.R. (1988), "Strengthening Co-operatives in Coir Industry", Glimpses of Co-operatives through Press, Vol. 3, pp Perumal V.T. (1988), The Progressive Mechanization in the Coir Industry, Coir News, pp Gangi Reddy Y. (1989), Growth Performance of Village and Small Industries, Journal of Rural Development, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp

9 village industry, handloom, sericulture, handicrafts, coir) vis a vis small scale industries during the last few decades the light of the assistance received from time to time. In his study four variables-production, capital, employment and export-were taken to find out the growth of village and small industries. Jeya Balaji J. (1989) 20 in his study, An Economic study of the coir industry in Kanyakumari District pointed out that private effort played a vital role in the marketing of coir and coir products in the district. He stated that limited size of operations, delay in payments, lack of grading and standardization and lack of marketing knowledge were some of the problems identified in the internal markets of the District. He concluded that market conditions were weakened by the inaction of government agencies. Hemalatha s (1992) 21 work deals with study of coirfed an apex co-operative body in the coir sector. The author mentions about the origin and the development of co-operative movement in the coir industry in general and brings out in detail the origin and development, objectives, operations, problems and prospects of coir field. Minnie Mathew (1992) 22 in her study, Coir fibre based Products found that, Coir industry is the backbone of rural employment generation in a densely populated state like Kerala. The livelihood of the villagers is very much dependent upon the 20 Jeya Balaji J. (1988), An Economic Study of the Coir Industry in Kanyakumari District, unpublished Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai. 21 Hemalatha s (1992), Role of Coir-field in the Co-operative sector of Coir Industry in Kerala, unpublished M.Phil. Dissertation submitted to the University of Kerala, pp Minnie Mathew (1992), Coir Fibre Based Products, Agriculture and Industry Survey, pp

10 coconut-based industry. Coir still faces stiff competition from other cheaper, upon the coconut-based industry. Coir still faces stiff competition from other cheaper, natural substitutes, as well as suffering from the problems of unvarying sameness, lack of sophistication and poor colour fastness. A common complaint against coir exports is the near total absence of product innovation or development as compared to other competing floor coverings. Failure to meet production deadlines and delivery schedules is another serious handicap faced by the industry. Thomas Issac T.M. and Nair K.K. (1992) 23 in their book, "Modernization and Employment" explain the crisis in Kerala's coir industry. This book draws the features of the industry during the fifties. Traditional process of coir production, the relevance of coir industry in the economy of Kerala, the pitiable condition of coir workers and improvement in the conditions of the workers through the leadership of militant trade unionism. It reviews the socio- political, economic and technological factors that affect trends in the coir industry in Kerala. To impart relevance of the industry it states the value of shipments of coir from Malabar Coast from It mentions the untapped husk potential in Kerala and suggests that through appropriate measures, the industrial Utilization of husk can be increased. This book expresses the view that the policy of unfettered mechanization is not socially acceptable since coir production is the major source of employment after agriculture in the coastal areas. However, at the same time it suggests technology choice for reducing the period of retting, mechanization of fibre extraction and spinning process. 23 Thomas Issac T.M. and Nair K.K. (1992), Modernization and Employment: The Coir Industry in Kerala, Indo-Dutch Studies on Development Alternatives, Sage Publications, New Delhi, pp

11 Isabella Rani and Krishnamoorthi S. (1993) 24 in their study, focus to analyse the investment pattern and employment pattern in the coir Industry in Coimbatore District. It reveals that the labour share to the total cost accounted for per cent. It can be seen that the crushing units enjoy more profits than fibre units which implies that the vertical integration is more profitable than single operational unit. The results indicate that the potential for increasing the turnover would be by using more and more of raw materials like coconut husk. These units provide employment for both men and women. Prabhakaran (1993) 25 made an in-depth study about the working of coir societies in Kerala state. It developed a formula to categorize coir co-operatives in to A, B and C. It developed a formula for finding out the number of man-days provided by coir societies on the basis of its production. The study also developed and adopted several criteria for evaluating the working of coir co-operatives in the State. It used a tool for collecting evidences about the drawbacks in working of coir co-operatives and suggestions from the public who were associated with coir co-operatives. But the report failed to suggest that any policy for developing the weak societies or for the revival of sick coir societies. Kamaraj C.M. (1994) 26 in his article, Exportable coir products in Tamil Nadu pointed out that coir pith which was usually dumped on the road side of coir 24 Isabella Rani and Krishnamoorthi S. (1993), Rural Industrialization-The Case Coir Industry, Journal of Rural Development Vol. 2, No. 5, pp Prabhakaran (1993), High Power Committee to Assess and Recommend The Measures to Revitalise the Coir Vyavasaya Co-operative Societies in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Vol. I, pp Kamaraj C.M. (1994), Exportable Coir Products in Tamil Nadu, The Coconut Wealth, Vol. 6. No.1, pp

12 factories was a mixture of dust, bits and fibres of less strength occupied a lot of space in the vicinity of the coir factories. Being lightweight dust is easily shown by wind causing air pollution and even in the case of its burning caused continuous smoke for several days emitting fugitive gases. He finally concluded that if an appropriate solution was not found to control this menace, it would pose serious problems of space, health and disposal. Rajan V. (1994) 27 in his study focused on, The Problems of Primary Coir Co-operatives of Kerala with a special emphasis on the Kayamkulam Project area (specializes in the manufacturing of white fibre and yarn). This study brings out the significance of primary coir co-operatives in the coir industry, identifies the reason for the poor performance of the coir co-operatives and examines to what the extent the worker of this sector benefited through these co-operative organizations and also analyses the prospects of the reorganization of the co-operative. This is based on secondary data collected from bureau of economic and statistics, coir project office and number of coir co-operatives emergence and development of various schemes for primary coir co-operatives are dealt. These developmental schemes are divided into three phases, the first phase is from and the second phase is from The third phase covers the steps taken for the revitalization of co-operative from The performance of primary coir co-operatives was analysed on the basis of the following six aspects: organizational, financial, production, technological, marketing and age s structure of workers and condition of employees. 27 Rajan V. (1994), Socio-Economic Aspects of Coir Co-operatives of Kerala, M.Phil. Dissertation submitted to the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. 33

13 Damodaran A.D., et al., (1995) 28 in their article, the technologies for diversification of coir products, explains new uses of coconut pith and short fibres. They highlight the low water absorption capability of Polycoir and lightweight brick. They claim that, Polycoir is a potential substitute for wood based products and thereby can significantly contribute to the growth of brown fibre sector of the coir industry. Lanka Santha P.E., et al., (1995) 29 in their study examined that, erosion control has become an essential part of every construction project. Impressive progress in new products and design methods has been made in the erosion control industry. This trend is continuing with increased ecological awareness to restore out environment. A full line of coconut fibre products is available for use in erosion control. The study concludes that designer and specifies should educate themselves about various properties of erosion control products and their compliance to economic feasibility. This will allow them to identify and understand how to use erosion control products in their designs to yield optimum erosion control design. Kumarasamy Pillai B. (1995) 30 has pointed out on the product diversification in coir industry in Kerala. The coir production were produced in the coastal belt of Kerala early in the eleventh century over the centuries, the same old equipments and production process were used in the industry without any significant changes. 28 Damodaran A.D., et al., "Polycoir and Ought-Weight Bricks, Technologies for Diversification of Coir Products and Utilization of Coconut Pith," Souvenir, Department of Coir Development, Thiruvananthapuram, pp Lanka Santha P.E., et al., (1995), Design Factors of Erosion Control Products and Role of Coir Products in Erosion Control, Vol. XXVI, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. pp and Kumarasamy Pillai B. (1995), Product Diversification in Coir Industry, Coir News, Vol. XXIV, pp

14 Moreover, the products and the user areas also remained unchanged. However, in the recent past there is a welcome change noticed in the manufacturing sector of the industry with a view to attain quality improvement and to eliminate drudgery in the production process. Traditional equipment like spinning wheels replaced by motorized looms. Further, concerned efforts are made to identify new user areas for coir and coir products. He commented that all these developments have given a new look to the industry. Raja Gopal (1995) 31 analysed the organizational and managerial perspectives of all women coir co-operatives. For the purpose of the study, 60 women from all coir fibre society of East Godavari District of Andra Pradesh were selected. The study revealed that improper accounting system, low wage structure and lack of infrastructure were some of the reasons for the failure of the societies. The study suggested that there were need for training to both members and workers to provide quality of goods. Government of India- Coir Board (1996) 32 conducted a study on marketing of coir and coir products which indicated the expanding role of co-operatives societies in developing a stable internal market for coir yarn. At the same time change in policy towards modernization sets in new trends in the industry that would result in its organization on modern lines and making it more productive, efficient and remuneration. The joint effort of policy formulators, procedures, workers, experts, 31 Raja Gopal (1995), Organization and Management of all Women Coir Fiber Co-operatives- A Study, Coir Perspective, Vol. XXX, pp Government of India- Coir Board (1996), Marketing of Coir and Coir Products, Coir News, Vol. XXVII, pp

15 traders, labour leaders and all those interested in the development of the industry is no doubt commendable. Department of Economics and Statistics (1996) 33 their study analysed the coir and coir products in Kerala during the year Its main objectives were to assess the number of coconut husks used for coir fibre, yarn products and number of employees in the unorganized sector of the coir industry. The study covered the entire state of Kerala and it found that raw materials needed for coir production was insufficient and number of person s employees in unorganized sector of the coir industry was second largest only to agriculture. Vijaya Chandran Pillai B. (1996) 34 the case study explained the important problems faced by the coir co-operatives in Kerala. The study detailed the capacity Utilization of co-operatives in the spinning and manufacture sectors which was found to be low. The average capacity Utilization of the spinning co-operatives was per cent and the manufacture sector was per cent. The study also found that all the sample units in the two sectors were facing problems in the procurement of raw materials. The main reasons identified were shortage and poor quality of husks, shortage of finance and competition from private sector units. It was also found that the majority of the co-operatives (65.48%) were not able to get the working capital requirements in time and as for the marketing of the product is concerned, the price 33 Department of Economics and Statistics (1996), A Study on Production and Consumption of Coir and Coir Production in Kerala, pp Vijaya Chandran Pillai B. (1996), Rural Coir Co-operatives in Kerala: A Case Study, Coir Perspective, Vol. XXXII, pp

16 fixed by coir fed was comparatively low and the primary co-operatives were selling the yarn to the private agents at a comparatively higher price. Bindu Nair (1997) 35 in her article, Women s health in a Traditional Sector: A study of coir yarn spinning industry in Kerala after undertaking the health effects and working conditions of coir women workers in the unorganized sector of coir industry and the input of their health and well being of workers reported that 90 per cent of the work force from four categories. The study concluded that women workers face numerous problems as they had no production from labour laws. She mentioned that they were made to work long hours without any extra pay and most workers worked standing direly under the blazing sun and the working conditions were unhygienic and oppressive. She found that the health problems common among all of them were chest pain, stomach ache, vomiting and all allergic problems and gynecologic complains. Further she concluded that almost all workers suffered either from work related or general health problems associated with working conditions. Ajith Kumar P. (1998) 36 gives an account of the unique quality of coir geo textile in soil erosion control, stabilization of existing slopes and cuttings in highways etc. They highlighted the properties of coir geo textiles that include totally biodegradable, 100 per cent natural, water absorbent, act as a wick in the soil mantle and five to ten years longevity. The high tensile strength of coir fibre protects steep surfaces from heavy flows and debris movement and restoration of terrestrial and 35 Bindu Nair (1997), Women s health in a Traditional Sector: A study of Coir yarn Spinning Industry in Kerala, Journal of Indian Association of Social Science Institution, (IASSI Quarterly) Vol. 15, pp Ajith Kumar P. (1998), "Coir - It's Versatility, "Coir News, Coir Board, Vol. XXVII, No. 6, pp

17 aquatic riparian habit. They also found that high lignin consent of coir makes it more stiff and durable than other natural fibres. Because of its quality, the green movement, increasing environment alertness and growing preferences for natural products provide substantial opportunity for coir geo textiles mainly in the industrialized countries of Western Europe, North America and Japan. They concluded that the versatility of coir and its products and end user applications have no bounds. Manikandan Pillai (1998) 37 formulated the model coir village scheme and focused on the welfare of coir workers. The scheme on model coir village program gave major emphasis on extending assistance in improving the basic amenities and living conditions of coir workers receive the program and its success was a motivating factor for taking up welfare programs for coir workers in a big way in the succeeding years. One of the components of the package was extension of the coverage of the model coir village in Kerala and the socioeconomic needs of the villages selected were identified through a bench mark survey. Shinny Philip (1998) 38 in her study titled, A study of Manpower Resource Management in coir Industry, Kerala, with special reference to Alapuzha District studied the human resource management practices and the level of satisfaction, of workers in private, the public and co - operative sectors of coir industry. The study showed that due to lack of manpower, planners of the coir units were unable to utilize human renounces effectives, further, on the level of job satisfaction of workers, he 37 Manikandan Pillai (1998), Model Coir Village Care for Coir Workers, Coir News, Vol. XXXVII, pp Shinny Philip (1998), A Study of Manpower Resource Management in Coir Industry, Kerala, with special reference to Alapuzha District, unpublished Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Gandhigram Rural Institute, Deemed University, Gandhigram, Dindugal, Tamil Nadu, pp

18 found that per cent of the workers were fully satisfied per cent partially satisfied and the cost desalted. The study also found that the reasons for this dissatisfaction were poor working conditions, low wages, inadequate amenities, strained relationship with the manager and non- participation in management. Sudeedharan P.R. and Sreedharan T.V. (1998) 39 studied the internal markets of coir and coir products and found that the export promotion activities in India are low. This has to be stepped up considerably to increase the domestic sales. It reveals that more than 90 per cent of the production is in the traditional way. They suggested measures for increasing the use of coir products and they also suggested that the government agencies should also take steps to popularize the products. Vijayachandran Pillai B. (1998) 40 in his study on coir societies reveals that the majority of the coir co-operatives in Kerala are not able to meet the working capital requirements for purchase of raw material, payment of wages and meeting other expenses. According to him, the delay in releasing sale proceeds from government agencies, lack of working capital assistance from government agencies and banks are the major hurdles, which hindered the performance of coir cooperatives in Kerala. He concludes with some suggestion for the improvement of the present situation, of which the important ones are, delegation of authority to the lower levels for avoiding delay in sanctioning assistance and to extend working capital assistance to coir co-operatives on the basis of their performance. 39 Sudeedharan P.R. and Sreedharan T.V. (1998), Internal Market of Coir News, Vol. XXVII, pp Vijayachandran Pillai B. (1998), Financial Problems of Rural Coir Co-operatives - A Case Study", Kurukshetra, Vol. XLVI, No. 5, pp

19 Joseph P.T. (1999) 41 analysed the significance of the coir industry and revealed that the dalith and economically weaker section of the society depend on coir industry for their livelihood. It is also significant because it plays a dominate role in the economy of the coconut growing sector particularly in Kerala. The study found that the current level of production of coir industry utilize around 25 per cent of the annual yield of coconut husks. There is possibility to increase the Utilization at least by 50 per cent of husk production for industrial purposes. Therefore there exists vast potential for stepping up of production of coir industry in India. Abdur Rahman T.S. (1999) 42 in his articles, explain the reasons for decreased demand of coir yarn in U.SA. which was the major market for coir yarn in the global. The reduction in the area under Hop cultivation, as a consequence of the use of high yielding hybrid varieties is one of the reasons for the reduced of take of coir yarn. Another reason is lack of competition in Indian coir industry, and it s continued to the traditional method of production which could not withstand the competition from Sri Lanka in the U.S.A. market and he broke the Indian monopoly in the matter of supply of coir yarn for Hop cultivation. The reasons for this situation is where the emotional policies against modernization and Mechanization of coir industry in India. For retaining the interest of consumers in coir products it is essential to ensure that items of specified standards of quality are produced and marketed. An earnest effort on the part of the coir units to institute in-plant quality control on their own is also suggested. The articles conclude with the hope that, the lost market can be 41 Joseph P.T. (1999), Schemes Implemented by Coir Board with special reference to Public Service Facilities, Indian Coconut Journal, Vol. 2, pp Abdur Rahman T.S. (1999), "Coir Yarn Industry - Past and Present", Coir News, Vol. XXVIII, No. 12, pp

20 regained with the adoption of modernization in all sections of the industry in the changed scenario when good quality yarn is available for export. Kutty V.K.K. (1999) 43 in his article, stress the vital importance of improving the marketing of coir and coir products in India and elsewhere for survival and growth of coir industry. He warns that severe competition facing from synthetic coir products and natural substitute, Machine spun coir yarn and mats from Sri Lanka and European Countries may create problems to the industry. Therefore publicity about the unsurpassable quality of Indian coir products is to be accelerated. Mathew (1999) 44 explains in detail the varied advantages of coir ply and coir composites. According to them, considering the shortage of timber and wood products, coir ply and coir composites will be an effective eco-friendly substitute. A small unit which produces 40 cubic meters of wood substitute can save 20 acres of deforestation every year. The article highlights the advantages of coir composites such as 100 per cent wood free, biodegradable, agro-base materials, flame retardant, boiling water resistant and per cent cheaper than corresponding grade material. NCAER (1999) 45 study focused on the impact of Minimum Export Price (MEP) and Purchase Price of Enforcement Scheme (PPES) on export, employment and protection of wages. The study analysed the perceptions of the workers in the coir 43 Kutty V.K.K. (1999), "Marketing Strategy for Promoting Sales of Coir Products", Coir News, Coir Board, Vol. XXVIII, No. 1, pp Mathew (1999), "Coir products for the New Millennium, Coir ply products to save the Rain rests", Coir News, Vol. XXVIII, No. 12, pp NCAER (1999), "Rationale of Minimum Export Price for Export of Coir and Coir Products, New Delhi, Coir News, Vol. XXVII, No. 12, pp

21 industry on various issues affecting the growth of export of coir products, employment and protection of wages. The survey result of the study revealed that MEP and PPES have a positive impact on the protection of their minimum wages and 100 per cent of them said that it was not logical to abolish MEP and PPES. 10 per cent of them opined that this system was helpful to ensure the quality of export products. Ramanatha Iyer T.S. and Girish M.S. (1999) 46 made an experimental study on coir fabrics for retaining walls. This study says that natural fibres like coir can be made suitable with proper treatment for reinforcement of function in cohesion less soils as well as filter fabric in cohesive soils. The study concludes that coir felt fabric walls are easy to construct for small heights. Ajith Kumar P. (2000) 47 made an attempt to examine the economic Utilization of coir pith. It reveals that coir pith, although light in weight, occupies a lot of space. Management of this waste material for economic advantage is therefore, of crucial importance from the point of view of protection of environment and the future of this highly labour oriented industry. He recommended it as a substitute for peat because of its qualities as high water holding capacity, good drainage, absence of weed and pathogens slow to decompose than peat, excellent wet ability, superior to peat affects adversely lakhs of coir workers and small producers, most of who live below the poverty line. 46 Ramanatha Iyer T.S. and Girish M.S. (1999), Coir Fabrics for Retaining walls on Excremental Study, Coir News, Vol. XXVIII, pp Ajith Kumar P. (2000), Economic Utilization of Coir Pith, Coir News, Vol. XXXIX, pp

22 Soundarapandian M. and Shiny Philip (2000) 48 identified some of the constrains faced by coir industry in Kerala. The study found that the major problem in availability of husk, production was decreasing. In Kerala only 30 per cent of the husk is utilized for coir production, the rest declined due to inappropriate climatic conditions. Finally, there was decrease in production due to the lack of demand in the market and traditional method of production. The study clearly suggested that the industry should not continue with the present method of production. Shyam S. and Agrawal (2001) 49 in his article, Coir Industry and E-trade stated that India ranked third after Sri Lanka and Malaysia in its share in world exports which is only around 4 per cent. He concluded that the future of exports of coir products would depend on the product development and its diversification, technological innovation and gaining aggressive market information using various E- Concepts such as E-Marketing, E-Catalogues and E-Governance. Coir Board (2002) 50 survey of the brown coir fibre sector showed that the production of brown fibres has been steadily increasing in India over the last few years. Kerala recorded a study increase in the output of brown fibre. The study identified that the value addition in brown fibre sector was low although unrented fibre had been increasingly used for the production of doormats and matting s in the traditional sector. The study was also conducted on export sector and it showed that 48 Soundarapandian M. and Shiny Philip (2000), Coconut Waste-Husk Products Industries in Kerala, Kadhigramadodyag, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3, pp Shyam S. and Agrawal (2000), Coir Industry and E-Trade, Coir News, Vol. XXX, No. 10, pp Coir Board (2000), Brown fiber sector of the Indian Coir Industry more Opportunities, Coir News, Vol. XXVIII, pp

23 the brown fibre had not shown any appreciable increase despite the other coir goods showing an increasing trend. Thiripurasundari K. (2002) 51 in her article, Coconut fibre units in Tenkasi Talulk-A Case study after a survey of 30 fibre units in Tenkasi Taluk, pointed out that the mojor problems faced by the coir fibre units were less amount of subsidiary, higher electricity charges and inadequate water supply during summer season. She also found that the season from January to May was the best suited for the coir fibre units. Lastly she concluded that the coir business was a lucrative business in Tenkasi Taluk. Vijayachandran Pillai B. (2002) 52 in his study, Marketing Problems of Rural Coir Co-operatives in Kerala found that, Coir industry is one of the most important agro-based and employment oriented traditional cottage industries in India. Marketing problem is the most crucial among them. The important problems of coir co-operatives in the area of marketing are low procurement price of the Government agencies in the coir sector. Lack of sufficient orders and competition from other units are the chief problems of the private sector coir units. The Government agencies should take necessary steps to refix the procurement price of coir and coir products of the co-operatives from time to time in consultation with the co-operatives so as to enable them to carry a reasonable amount of profits. 51 Thiripurasundari K. (2002), Coconut fiber units in Tenkasi Taluk-A Case study, Vol. I Soundrapandian, Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, pp Vijayachandran Pillai B. (2000), Marketing Problems of Rural Coir Co-operatives Kerala, Southern Economist, Vol. 40, No. 16, pp

24 Chilar Mohamed and Shahul Hameed (2003) 53 in their article, Indian Coir Industries Challenges and Future Prospects stated that with the advent of synthetic fibre in European countries, Indian exports of coir and coir products had met with a serious setback. They concluded that some form of technological improvement in the coir industry had become urgent so as to maintain its position in the world market for its products and sought innovative marketing methods including development of new drop products which alone could reverse the stagnation in India s coir exports. Christy Fernandez (2003) 54 in his article, Revitalization and Cost Management of Small Scale units through a Consortium Approach in the Alleppey Coir cluster identified the problems faced by the primary fibre extractions sectorhigh cost of production, inadequate credit facilities, inadequate raw material, market and managerial inputs. Further he stated that the small produce were at the mercy of middlemen for the supply of raw material and credit as well as for the sale of their products. In this context the author identified the importance and relevance of revitalization and cost management was essential as they became part of the strategic inputs for revitalization of the small scale sectors. Jose V.S. and Sankaranarayanan K.C. (2003) 55 their article focused a market survey for the demand of coir and coir products. The survey was conducted during the years to It states that during these years substantial 53 Chilar Mohamed and Shahul Hameed (2003), Indian Coir Industries Challenges and Future Prospects, Southern Economist, Vol. 42, No. 1 pp Christy Fernandez (2003), Revitalisation and Cost Management of Small Scale Units through a Consortium Approach in the Alleppey Coir Cluster, Coir News, Vol. XXXII, No. 3, pp Jose V.S. and Sankaranarayananm K.C. (2003), Coir Industry Performing Below Expectations, Facts for you, pp

25 growth was registered in the production of brown fibre due to the entry of Tamil Nadu, which used mechanized defibreing mill for brown fibre. The demand for coir is increasing all over the world, but it states that India could not perform well in the international market as other coconut producing countries are supplying similar products at reduced prices. Sugata Ghose (2003) 56 in her article, Present Status of Coconut Processing industry in India observed that the owners of the private coir units were not using government coir agencies to sell their various coconut diversified products of coir and coir products and hence local traders played a vital role in the marketing of coconut processed products. Sundaresan R. (2003) 57 in his article, Globalization, Technological Charge and Traditional Industries - A study on coir yarn spinning industry in Kerala made on attempt to compare the traditional and modern technologies in coir industry and evaluated the input of technological charge under the globalized regine. He mentioned that the modernization of coir industry in the global regime had succeeded neither in bringing more benefits to the workers nor a better prospects to the industry. Vijayachandran Pillai B. (2003) 58 in his article, Marketing Problems of rural Coir Co-operative in Kerala pointed that in the case of the co-operative 56 Sugata Ghose (2003), Present Status of Coconut Processing Industry in India, A Vision, Vol. XXII, No. 324, pp Sundaresan R. (2003), Globalisation, Technological Charge are Traditional Industries: A study on Coir yarn Spinning Industry in Kerala Review of Social Sciences, Vol. IV, No. 2, pp Vijayachandran Pillai B. (2003), Marketing Problems of Rural Coir Co-operative, in Kerala, Comparative Study with the Private Sector Units, Indian Co-operative Review, Vol. 41, No. 1, pp

26 manufacturing units, 93 per cent of the marketing was through the government agencies and the remaining 7 per cent direct sales. But the private sector coir units depended mainly on private agents (82 %) for marketing. Only 10 per cent of the marketing was through the government agencies and the remaining 8 per cent were by direct sale and private exports. The study also identified the low procurement price of the government agencies, the high transportation cost and the delay in collecting the sale proceeds from Government agencies was some of the marketing problems. Arunadevi K. (2004) 59 in her study, Coir for soil conservation found that, Coir is an eco-friendly product and so its application for soil conservation will never sustain damages to environment and so is free from resentments. Considering the depletion to tropical forest and wood, using renewable material like coir will keep up the ecological balance. The economic feasibility factor of geo textile is related to the cost of material installation cost as well as its impact on ecosystem and aesthetics. Taking these factors into consideration the coir geo textiles has established a very competitive and suitable substitute for synthetic geo textile. A versatile product, available abundantly throughout the country, produced at cheaper costs it is as such a sure and economical answer to the problems related to soil erosion. Chillar Mohamed P. (2004) 60 in his study, Sickness in coir industries in Tamil Nadu: A Scenario found that, the economic survey of India ( ) reveals that growing incidence of sickness has been one of the persisting problems 59 Arunadevi K. (2004), Coir for Soil Conservation, Kisan World, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp Chillar Mohamed P. (2004), Sickness in Coir Industries in Tamil Nadu: A Scenario, Southern Economist, Vol. 34, No. 5, pp

27 faced by the industrial sector of the country. A substantial amount of loan funds of the financial institutions is locked up in sick industrial units causing not only wastage of resources but also affecting the healthy growth of the industrial economy. Many of the small coir units become sick due to inadequate working capital. Failure to locate the proper market for coir products resulted in sickness in many cases. Counseling, guidance, training and educating the entrepreneurs of coir units are given priority, the industrial sickness in coir industries can be prevented. Harma U.S. (2004) 61 in his article, Coir Industry in the Lakshadweep - A Survey highlighted that even though the industry had good infrastructure, better availability of raw material at their door steps, skilled employees and cheap and availability of husk, they were not able to manage the industries profitably. The industry was suffering from alillers in similar to most of the public sector units in the country. The survey finally found that the major problems faced by the industry were due to low capacity Utilization, excess manpower, high production cost, lower value addition to the coir fibre, marketing-related issues and higher fixed overheads. Christy Fernandez (2005) 62 on the strategic alliance for the development of coir industry in the APC countries and demand prospectus for coir products in ecofriendly applications deals with the serious challenges faced by the coir products from synthetic products. The Asian and Pacific countries together contribute 85 per cent to 90 per cent the total world production. But the market share for coir is declining and it 61 Harma U.S. (2004), Coir Industry in the Lakshadweep- A Survey, Coir News, Vol. XXXII, No.7, pp Christy Fernandez (2005), Strategic Alliance for the Development of Coir Industry in the APC. Countries and Demand Prospects in Eco-friendly Application, Coir News, Cochin, pp

28 is far from its potential. Further the study calls for the review and understanding of factors for the decline in the market share and to evolve strategies for retaining and expanding its share. Gowri Amma K.R. (2005) 63 in her article, Modernization of coir industry stated that in the last financial year the industry earned more than Rs. 450 crores as foreign exchange and created more employees in the rural areas. The industry had its root in the rural area and since mostly women workers were involved at different stages of production, this industry had an added relevance in the national Income. He concluded that coir workers, small and large manufactures, industrialists and exports should work together and render their whole hearted support to the government for strengthening the industry. Jothimani P., et al., (2006) 64 in their study, Reuse of by - products in coir industry found that the coir industry is one of the important traditional cottage industries in India. It is a labour intensive and export oriented industry. The various applications of the coir pith were once a waste and caused disposal problem. The coir pith being chief composed and with certain additives, can become a good fertilizers. Satya Sundaram I. (2006) 65 in her study, Coir Products in Demand suggested that the coir products are mostly consumed domestically, with domestic 63 Gowri Amma K.R. (2005), Modernization of Coir Industry, Journal of Kerala Calling, Vol. XV, No. 3, pp Jothimani P., et al., (2006), Reuse of by-products in Coir Industry, Kisan World, Vol. 33, No. 8, pp Satya Sundaram I. (2006), Coir Products in Demand, Facts for you, pp