(a) whether Coir Industry is facing serious crisis in India due to high rate of sales tax;
(b) whether this industry is on the verge of closure due to the preference given to imported bedding polyester;
(c) whether polyster bedding are not appropriate in the point of view of pollution and environment; and
(d) if so, the action taken by the Government for protection of this industry?
THE MINISTER OF AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES (SHRI KARIYA MUNDA)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): No, Sir.
(c): Polyester beddings unlike coir products, are not bio degradable and to that extent these are not eco-friendly.
(d): The Government, through the Coir Board promotes and encourages the use of coir and coir products including coir mattresses. The Government also supports research and development activities in the Coir Sector to make the coir industry competitive.