Coir Industry is an agro based rural industry providing means of livelihood for more than 7 lakhs of workers in the coconut producing states of the country. The first coir factory for manufacturing, coir floor coverings was established in the ancient port town of Alleppey during the year 1859 by an Irish born American Mr. James Darragh and Henry Ismail. Thereafter, other enterprising Europeans have also started coir factories in Alleppey employing thousands of workers. After the independence, there was a transition in the industry as the Europeans migrated to their homeland. Coir industry also became a totally decentralized industry.
Based on the representations made by the trade unions, Govt. of Kerala and other interests, the Union government set up Coir Board under the Coir Industries Act 1953 for the overall development of coir industry in India during the year 1954. Since then, Coir Board has been steering the destiny of coir industry by protecting the interests of various stake holders like coir exporters, coir manufacturers, small scale producers, coir spinners, coir co-operative societies and the public sector undertakings. With the concerted efforts of the Coir Board, it was possible to proliferate the industry in 14 States and Union Territories of the country. Due to the dedicated service rendered by Coir Board in the past 6 decades, the Board was able to put industry in its growth trajectory. In recognition of good works rendered by Coir Board during the past 6 decades, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India issues this commemorative coin as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.












