Kochi, Feb 9 : The Coir Board's scheme to set up authorised retail outlets (AROs) of coir products across the country is expected to promote the welfare of workers in the coir sector.

Quality coir products will be made available for sale through the AROs.

Initially, outlets will be opened in Kerala. The scheme would then be extended across the country in a phased manner.

Coir Board Chairman A C Jose would inaugurate the scheme here on Monday.

Apart from promoting export market of coir and coir products, the Coir Board is giving emphasis for developing domestic market for coir products.

Jose said coir products intended for sale through the AROs would be procured from small-scale producers.

"The initiative is expected to boost the domestic market for coir products in a big way and thereby enable the small-scale producers to get a steady market for their products," Jose said, adding that this in turn would provide more remunerative and full-time employment to workers in the coir sector.

India exports coir and coir products to over 97 countries. The United States is the single largest importer for coir products with a share of more than 40 per cent.

Coir is exported in form of coir fibre, yarn, doormats, matting, rugs, carpets, coir rope, rubberised coir, pith-based products for agricultural operations, and soil erosion control materials. (ANI)