Page 160 - economic review

Industry and Labour132

3.174 An effective mechanism has to be evolved for collecting the coconut husks produced in the
state at optimum level ,locally and transform it to quality fibre at low cost using mechanisation ,in order
to solve the shortage of fibre in the state , reduce the dependence for fibre on neighbouring states
and to decrease the cost of production of coir fibre. Mechanisation, modernisation and technological
up gradation is to be introduced in Fibre extraction, Spinning , Weaving and producing innovative and
sophisticated products with enhanced quality to meet the increasing domestic and global demands
of coir and coir products. Production of various diversified coir products for domestic / international
needs utilizing the husks available in the state at low cost will offer sustainable income to coir
workers and it will reduce the threat of shifting coir industry from Kerala to the adjoining coconut
producing neighbouring states. Necessary skill development training is to be imparted to coir workers
in modern coir processing technologies for producing coir fibre with enhanced quality and finer yarn
without any defects. The slogan “ One house, One Coir product” is to be popularized for achieving
domestic market development of Coir and coir products.

3.175 Sustained availability of quality raw cashew nuts should be ensured to meet the requirement
of the industry through increased domestic production by enhancing the area, production and
productivity of cashew, by adopting high-end technology and promoting organic farming. Private
sector participation in production and processing is to be encouraged with a right balance in the
involvement of public and private sector, consultancy firms, and NGOs/SHGs in the sector. A large
organised market for raw and processed cashew nuts can be developed in Kollam, where buyers
and suppliers from national and international markets will interact and competition in the market
increases quality and efficiency.

3.176 Due to the high human development, Kerala has a skilled and literate labour force. Work
ethics are high and decent environment friendly and clean workstations are more visible in Kerala
than elsewhere in the country. Child labour is not a problem, as children attend school and do not
work for a living. Providing opportunity for this productive labour force is the prerequisite of the
state. Our social responsibility is to create a model state for labour which can be replicated in the
other States. Ideally every workman(including migrants) must be ensured with opportunity for work
which has to be productive and deliver a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection
for families, better prospects for personal development and social integration, freedom to express
their concerns, organize and participate in decisions. Concerted efforts from various stakeholders
viz. industrialists, labourers, trade unions and government is essential for the prosperity of the state
and the role of the Labour Department needs to be restructured to ensure the long term employer-
employee relationship.

Kerala State Planning Board