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Sri Bhagawathi Amman Coir producing company limited

In Kanyakumari, the Tsunami destroyed millions of livelihoods. Four coir mills along the coast were destroyed, leaving about 1,000 coir spinning workers jobless, primarily women. While some became urban laborers, many became jobless. The coir mills provided raw material‐ the fibre to the workers, who spun it into the yarn and the mills sold it to Kerala or northern India. Each worker earned Rs. 20‐30/‐ per day.

 

Activities undertaken

 

CCD restarted the coir business by initiating a community coir enterprise. A retired manager of a large coir factory in the area was appointed to buy and start 50 spinning machines. Nearly 150 weavers were trained in spinning the 2-ply (thread) yarn. Traditionally the workers spun here was 3-ply (thread) type coir for agricultural purpose, sold locally and at low rates. They were trained in spinning the 2-ply yarn is sold at high rates to industries for making mat and matting. Women prefer this work as they can do it at or near their home, which gives them ample time to take care of their children and other domestic chores. Besides traditional Cochin and Salem market, new markets were found at Nilgiris, Mumbai and Punjab.The 15 coir producers groups in 8 villages are now federated into Bhagwatiaman coir  Trust, with 6 board members elected by the community. A cooperative sector retired officer has been appointed as manager.

 

• About 500 trained coir spinners

• Nearly 75 coir spinning machines

• About 15 coir production facilities in 8 villages

• Market linkage with many buyer agencies in Kerala, Tamilnadu,Mumbai

• Linkage with the Coir Board of Govt. of India