Women who work in the coir sector will soon get machines that will make their life easier. This is a one-touch automatic pneumatic loom. It can be easily operated by a single person and will be beneficial to women, who account for more than 80 per cent of the workforce in the coir sector.

Most existing machines are operated through foot pedals with a capacity of 8 mt. a day. Moreover, they require at least two people to operate them. The new looms can weave up to 128 mt. of 2 mt. wide geo-textiles. It has a single touch operation and can be worked by one person. The machine can also be used for weaving other natural fibers such as cotton and jute.

The coir manufacturing industry produces mats, matting and other floor coverings. Coir is used as ship cables, for fenders and for rigging. Ropes and cordage, made out of coconut fiber, have been in use from ancient times.

Kerala is known for its coir industry. Coconut husks are beaten into fiber for making mats and other coir products. The coir industry is the largest cottage industry in Kerala. Women are mainly involved in the yarn spinning sector and men in the product-weaving sector.