The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has released data on India’s coir sector, which continues to drive rural employment and exports. The sector, which processes coconut husk fibres into products such as mats, ropes, brushes and mattresses, has grown substantially over the past decade. As the world’s largest producer and exporter of coir, India accounts for about two-thirds of global coir production and is supported by a dedicated government scheme to strengthen the industry.
Key facts
- 21,000 coir units registered on the Udyam portal
- 2.3 lakh persons employed in registered units; over 7 lakh in the sector overall
- 80% of coir sector workers are women from rural households
- Coir exports: Rs 1,630.33 crore in FY 2014-15; Rs 6,614.40 crore in FY 2025-26 (305% growth)
- Industry turnover: approximately Rs 16,000 crore
- Contribution to GDP: close to 1%
- Major export destinations: US, China, Netherlands, Spain, UK
- Main export products: coir pith, fibre, yarn and tufted mats
- 68,000 persons trained in the last 12 years under government schemes
- Over 150 innovative machines and value-added products developed
- More than Rs 20 crores in financial assistance given to 850+ entrepreneurs
What is coir and why it matters
Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of coconuts. It is processed and converted into everyday products ranging from ropes and brushes to mats and mattresses. The sector is valued for being eco-friendly and sustainable, helping convert agricultural waste into commercial goods. This makes it important both for environmental reasons and for creating income in rural areas where coconut cultivation is common.
The Coir Vikas Yojana scheme
The Ministry of MSME operates the Coir Vikas Yojana, a central sector scheme designed to support the sustainable growth of India’s coir industry. The scheme provides assistance to coir artisans and manufacturing units across multiple areas. It funds the development of new technologies, machines and products tailored to coir production. It also conducts skill training and runs promotional programmes to help artisans improve their techniques and productivity.
The scheme promotes sales of coir products in both domestic and international markets through publicity, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and by providing financial assistance to exporters. It also compiles and publishes data on the coir sector to support research and policy decisions.
Growth achievements over 12 years
Since 2014-15, the coir sector has seen remarkable expansion. Exports have more than quadrupled, growing from Rs 1,630.33 crore to Rs 6,614.40 crore. This 305% increase reflects both rising global demand and improved production capacity. The number of coir units registered on the Udyam portal, which brings enterprises into the formal MSME ecosystem, has grown to over 21,000.
Training has been scaled significantly, with over 68,000 persons trained under various programmes. Women account for more than 80% of trainees, reflecting the scheme’s focus on rural women’s employment. The sector has also seen innovation, with over 150 new machines, technologies and value-added products introduced in the past 12 years.
Export promotion has been active, with the Ministry facilitating the participation of more than 1,000 exporters in international exhibitions. Financial assistance exceeding Rs 20 crores has been distributed to over 850 entrepreneurs to help them expand sales and enter new markets. Within India, more than 1,400 promotional programmes have been organised and 950+ exhibitions held.
Employment and rural impact
The coir sector provides direct and indirect employment to over 7 lakh workers. Among registered units on the Udyam portal, 2.3 lakh persons are employed. Notably, 80% of the workforce comprises women from rural households, making the sector a significant source of income for rural women. The sector has also become integrated into India’s formal MSME policy ecosystem, giving workers and entrepreneurs access to government support schemes and benefits.
What this means for you
If you are a coir artisan or entrepreneur, the Coir Vikas Yojana offers multiple support avenues: access to training to improve your skills, financial assistance for starting or expanding a unit, help in marketing and exporting products, and participation in national and international exhibitions. If you are a rural woman, the sector offers a documented pathway to formal employment and entrepreneurship with government backing. If you consume coir products, the sector’s growth means better availability and innovation in eco-friendly household items. For students and job seekers, the sector represents an expanding employment base in a traditional, sustainable industry.
Export market and product range
In FY 2025-26, India exported coir and coir products worth Rs 6,614.40 crore. The largest markets are the US, China, Netherlands, Spain and the UK. The main export products are coir pith, fibre, yarn and tufted mats. This diversification reflects the sector’s ability to add value and meet varying international demand, ensuring stable markets for producers.