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Coir:
The economy of the district is predominantly based
on agriculture and marine products. Though the district
is industrially backward, some traditional industries
based on coir and coir products, marine products,
handlooms, different types of handicrafts, toddy tapping,
etc.have been dominating the scene from the very early
times. The district is known as the traditional home
of coir industry in Kerala. |
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easy availability of of raw materials and existence
of backwaters and canals suitable for the wetting
of green husk and accessibility of transportation
are the main factors for the development of this industry.
Arabs had carried on trade in coir products from very
ancient times. The manufacture of mats and mattings
was first introduced in 1859 by Mr. James Durragh,
an American who founded the firm M/s Durragh Smail
Ltd., at Alappuzha with offices in London and New
York.
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The
Coir Board was established by the Central Government
under the provisions of the Coir Industry Act, 1955.
There is a Coir Research Institute functioning at
Kalavoor. The National Coir Training and Designing
Centre was also established at Alappuzha in 1965.
From
the very early times, Alappuzha proper was considered
the Venice of the East and the interior of the district
paved way for its overall development. Consequent
on the importance attained by Kochi, the development
of Alappuzha was considerably retarded. Of late, there
is a ray of hope of industrial development in the
district with the opening of the new rail link with
Ernakulam, the Commercial capital of Kerala. Within
the next few years, Alappuzha district may take its
old position, provided the working class gives a favorable
climate for industrial expansion.
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Coir
is the most important commodity manufactured in Alappuzha,
Kayamkulam, Kakkothamangalam, Komalapuram, Mannancherry,
Muhamma and Cherthalai . Lime shell in Arookutty and
Kodamthuruthu, Plywood in Chengannur, Keltron controls
in Aroor, Potassium Chloride in Mavelikkara and coconut
in Thanneermukkom are also worth mentioning and figure
in the industrial map of Alappuzha. The other important
commodities manufactured in these towns are copra,
coconut oil ,glass, mats, marine food and matches. |
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