A Three-Day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills and promoting opportunities in the coir sector was successfully organized by the Coir Board, Government of India, Regional Office, Pollachi, in association with Department of Management Studies (MBA), Kangayam Institute of Technology, Tiruppur. The programme was conducted from March 11 to March 13, 2026, at the DC Auditorium of Kangayam Institute of Technology. The programme was designed to create awareness among aspiring entrepreneurs and students about opportunities in the coir industry, government schemes, financial assistance, and sustainable business practices. Inaugural Session: The programme commenced with an invocation by students. Dr. V. Paramasivam, HoD/DoMS, Kangayam Institute of Technology, delivered the welcome address and warmly welcomed the dignitaries and participants. The opening remarks were delivered by Dr. S. Ramkumar, Principal of Kangayam Institute of Technology, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in shaping the future of young graduates. The session was further enriched by the address of Dr. R. V. Mahendra Gowda, CEO of Kangayam Institutions, who highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial mindset among students. The Presidential Address was delivered by Shri K. S. Sumesh, Regional Officer (i/c), Coir Board, Pollachi, who elaborated on the various initiatives and schemes implemented by the Coir Board to support entrepreneurs and promote the coir sector. The Inaugural Address was delivered by Shri P. Poochamy, Director, TANCOIR and President of the Federation of Tamil Nadu State Coir Associations. In his address, he discussed the immense potential of the coir industry and encouraged participants to explore innovative business opportunities in the sector. Special addresses were delivered by Shri M. Mani, Chairman, Shri M. Selvakumar Managing Director of Valasumani Farm Machines Pvt. Ltd., and Shri G. S. Ponvishnu, Founder and Chairman of GS Group of Companies. They shared valuable insights and real- life entrepreneurial experiences, inspiring participants to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri K. Sivakumar, AP/DoMS, Kangayam Institute of Technology. Technical Sessions: The programme featured several informative technical sessions delivered by experts from industry and financial institutions. On Day 1, Shri P. Poochamy spoke on “Opportunities in the Coir Industry,” highlighting emerging prospects and business models. This was followed by a session on “Schemes and Services from Banks for Entrepreneurs” by Shri A. Ravi, Counsellor at the Financial Literacy Centre, Canara Bank Lead Bank, Coimbatore. A session on “Zero Wastage Concept in the Coir Industry” was delivered by Shri Mohisin Kamil, Documentation Manager, MP Eco Products, focusing on sustainable production practices. Later, Shri K. S. Sumesh provided a detailed explanation of the schemes and services offered by the Coir Board. On Day 2, Shri P. Rajesh Kumar, Training Coordinator from MSME Technology Centre (CFTI), Chennai, addressed participants on MSME schemes for entrepreneurs. The session on Project Preparation and Cost Analysis was conducted by Smt. A. Poongodi, Secretary, Imaigal Trust, guiding participants on developing viable business proposals. The day concluded with a motivational session on entrepreneurship by Shri V. Sowndharyan, JCI Member, Erode. Additional Sessions and Industrial Visit: On the final day, Shri S. Sivaraman, Advocate and Consultant for Export and MSME start-ups, delivered an insightful session on Export Market Analysis, explaining global opportunities for coir-based products. Another session titled “Startup Spark within – Igniting the Entrepreneur” was handled by Smt. Haritha Sivasubramaniam, Digital Marketing Trainer and Personal Brand Manager, who motivated participants to build personal brands and leverage digital platforms for business growth. As part of the programme, participants were also taken on an industrial visit to Sri Raghavendra Coirs, Muthur, where they gained practical exposure to coir manufacturing processes and industry operations.
