July 02, Colombo: Sri Lankan government is taking steps in introducing new technologies to coir based product manufacturers through the Export Development Board (EDB).

These steps are taken in order to encourage producers for the use of modern machinery in the production process to increase efficiency and to improve the quality of products. By introducing new technology the producers will be encouraged to export value added products instead of exporting raw coir thus bringing in more foreign exchange.

The new equipment will be on display for the production of twine, conveyer systems to transport coconut husks to the machine, bundling of coir, coir dust briquettes, coir mats, geo-textile etc.

A delegation recently visited the Indian Central Coir Research Institute, Kalavoor in Alappuzha and coir-producing centers in the Kerala district and held discussions with senior officials on various issues related to developing the coir industry in Sri Lanka.