CENTRAL COIR RESEARCH INSTITUTE

National Seminar on Coir Geotextiles for Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Projects at Alappuzha

The Coir Board, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organised a National Seminar on “Coir Geotextiles for Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Projects” on 22 October 2026 at Hotel Ramada, Punnamada, Alappuzha, as part of Reforms Utsav 2026. The seminar was organised to promote the wider adoption of coir geotextiles in government infrastructure and environmental projects.

The seminar was inaugurated by Shri Keshvendrakumar, IAS, Chairman, Coir Board and Joint Secretary (AFI), Ministry of MSME, in the presence of Dr. M. S. Lakshmipriya, IAS, Secretary, Coir Board. The inaugural session was attended by senior officials, technical experts, representatives of government departments, academic institutions and the coir industry.

The seminar brought together engineers, technical experts, scientists, representatives of government departments, infrastructure agencies, research institutions and stakeholders from the coir industry to deliberate on the potential of coir geotextiles as a sustainable and eco-friendly engineering solution.

Coir geotextiles, manufactured from natural coconut fibre, have significant applications in soil erosion control, slope stabilisation, road construction, drainage and vegetation establishment. Their use promotes environmentally sustainable engineering practices while supporting the coir industry, rural employment and the livelihoods of coconut-fibre workers.

The technical sessions highlighted the applications of coir geotextiles in road construction and other infrastructure and environmental projects, with particular emphasis on relevant technical guidelines, specifications and implementation practices. The discussions also focused on enhancing awareness among engineering professionals and government implementing agencies regarding the effective utilisation of coir geotextiles.

The technical panel discussions were attended by Dr. I. K. Pateria, Director (P-II), National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, New Delhi, along with eminent experts from CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), IITs, NITs, Cochin University of Science and Technology, government engineering departments and the coir industry. The panel discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges in the wider adoption of coir geotextiles in government projects. Participants exchanged views on technical specifications, field implementation, road construction, soil conservation and the need for closer coordination between government departments, technical institutions and industry stakeholders. The deliberations underscored the importance of interdepartmental coordination, technical awareness and the incorporation of suitable coir-based solutions into infrastructure planning and execution.

The seminar highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous, sustainable and environmentally responsible technologies in infrastructure development. It also emphasised the relevance of technical guidelines, including IRC:SP:129-2022 for road applications, in facilitating the effective use of coir geotextiles in appropriate projects.

The seminar formed part of the Coir Board’s efforts to promote the use of coir-based technologies, encourage sustainable infrastructure development and expand the application of this renewable natural resource in public works and environmental protection initiatives.

The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration among government departments, engineering professionals, research institutions and the coir industry to facilitate the wider adoption of coir geotextiles across the country.

The initiative reaffirmed the Coir Board’s commitment to promoting innovative, sustainable and indigenous coir technologies for the benefit of the environment, infrastructure development and the coir sector.