Technological Advancement and its Impact on Coir Industry

Modernization of the coir industry in Kerala was pending for a long time. The Trade Unions in Kerala prevented modernization, involving mechanization in the industry, fearing the displacement of labor, prior to 1990. But the threat from the other neighboring states forced the employees and Trade Unions in Kerala to realize the importance of urgent modernization of the coir industry. Currently, the modernization of the coir industry is going on in the state with suitable modifications so as to save it from its peril. Attempt in this book would be to capture these changes in detail. .The technological change in the industry has implications for vast sections of the disempowered people engaged in the industry, in the state. This study focuses on the context, nature and scale of the technological modernization. It will also examine the comparative cost advantage of modern technology. The likely social implications, in terms of employment and the socio- economic standing will also be examined. It will also examine the impact of such modernization in the domestic and international coir trade.