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Title: Need to extend the benefit of Duty Entitlement Pass Book Scheme (DEPB) to Coir Sector.
DR. K.S. MANOJ (ALLEPPEY): The ministry of Commerce and Industry has extended the benefit under Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) Scheme to major jute products like Jute (Jute soil saver) Geo-textiles, Jute yarn, made-ups, sacking clothes with effects from 1st April 2003. This increased the export of jute products considerably. Coir is also a biodegradable, eco-friendly product which is widely used in European countries as soil saver, moisture retainer as well as for domestic purposes. Since the coir industry is facing a crisis as a result of decline in coir products export consequent to global economic crisis, it is imperative to provide some bailout packages. If the incentives declared for jute sector is extended to the coir sector also, this will definitely boost up the export of coir and coir products. I urge upon the Government to extend the benefit of DEPB scheme to Coir sector also in the area of Coir Soil Saver (Coir Geo-Textiles) @ 5%, Coir Yarn @ 5%, and other Coir Products @ 10%.