(a) whether the Government have decided to phase out minimum export price (MEP) for Coir;
(b) if so, the reasons therefore;
(c) whether small sector and workers have opposed gradual withdrawal of MEP; and
(d) if so, the steps taken to ensure that withdrawal of MEP does not have an adverse impact on Coir Export?
THE MINISTER OF AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES ( SHRI KARIYA MUNDA )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): With a view to remove all restrictions in promoting exports of coir and coir products, the Minimum Export Price (MEP) regime has been withdrawn.
(c): Yes, Sir.
(d): Promotional efforts like market development through participation in exhibitions/fairs abroad, Study tours, Buyer Sellers meets etc. are carried out by the Coir Board to promote exports of coir and coir products. In addition, the External Marketing Assistance is provided to the exporters. Moreover, Research & Development (R&D) efforts for product development, product diversification and quality improvement have also been taken up to make coir products competitive in terms of quality and prices.