Centre working for the revival of MSMEs: Kalraj Mishra

Coimbatore, July 16 (KNN) Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Kalraj Mishra has said that the Central Government has notified a framework for the revival and rehabilitation of the MSMEs.

Mishra was here in Coimbatore to inaugurate the four day exhibitions Agri Intex 2016 and India International Coir Fair 2016 at Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) Trade Fair Complex.

Talking to media persons on the side lines of the event, he said MSMEs were facing financial problems because of banks and the government was trying to simplify the procedures and had done it too.

He informed that over 10 lakh MSMEs had registered in the last six months under the Udyog Aadhar Memorandum online facility.

The procurement policy was made mandatory for public sector enterprises from last April and the MSMEs benefited from it, he said.

He further stated that exports by MSMEs were increasing and the focus was on quality manufacturing so that the units were able to compete and go forward in the global market.

“We are working in that direction,” he added.

At the inauguration, the Minister said that coir and coir products were exported to 115 countries.

“Our exports increased by 17 per cent in volume and 20 per cent in value last financial year compared to the previous year,” he said.

However, a point of concern was the almost stagnant coir production in the last few years. All the stakeholders should co-ordinate to enhance productivity, increase coverage of coconut plantation, and minimise coir wastage. “Coir geo textiles are an emerging area and I believe coir will become more relevant in the coming years.”

The board should set up more such centres in others parts of the country. Coir was becoming popular in the northern States too. The Coir Board should take steps to promote coir products in the north, Mishra said.

V. Sundaram, president of CODDISIA, said Agri Intex was organised to instil confidence in small farmers and several technologies had been showcased at the event.

P.R. Ajithkumar, Director (Marketing) of Coir Board, said the coir fair had live demonstrations, a wide range of products, and seminars. (KNN Bureau)