Performance of Coir Industry in Alappuzha and the Case of Labour Displacement

Abstract

Coir, the natural fibre from Kerala forms the base of a promising industry that employed around 5,000 people in the state and was essential to the growth of its economy. But from past two decades, it seems to be losing sheen. According to the current trend, less people are purchasing traditional handloom mats and rugs for export. Delayed modernisation, unfriendly government regulations, aggressive trade unionism and high pay demand from workers all contributed to labour displacement in the coir industry, especially in Alappuzha. The coir workers of Alappuzha are grappling with the economic fallout of the displacement of coir industry to Tamil Nadu. Almost all big producers and exporters of coir industry from Alappuzha have shifted or partially moved their base to Tamil Nadu due to several issues. But small-scale units and cooperative societies still remain here as they have no other choice. The traditional coir looms that were previously used to promote Kerala's coir handicrafts abroad were abandoned largely and the production units are shifted to the neighbouring states. Even though, the export performance shows that the industry still earn plenty and remains to hold its strong hand in foreign markets.