Promote them! – International Year of Natural Fibres
After subsequent meetings in 2004 and 2005 the United Nations declared 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibres. It has identified 15 natural fibres that will be promoted. The animal fibres are wool, mohair, Angora wool, Alpaca wool, silk, camel hair and cashmere. Plant fibres are coir, cotton, abaca, jute, flax, hemp, sisal and ramie.
The natural fibre industry has suffered a severe blow after the advent of man-made ones like nylon, acrylic and rayon. The UN has planned year-long seminars, conferences and fashion shows using these fibres to promote each of them.
Some of these natural fibres come from animals and plants that are threatened, so the UN also propagates the proper cultivation or breeding respectively. Natural fibres are an eco-friendly and responsible choice. It will also help millions of cultivators and farmers worldwide.
The Coir Board says that coir products are exported to 105 countries and the industry is a major contributor to the economy. Calculating the potential, the Coir Board approached Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma to grant export incentives and concessions to coir products and exporters in the five year Foreign Trade Policy (2009-14).
