Why in news?
50 top-performing women artisans from the scheme to attend Republic Day 2026 celebrations in New Delhi as special guests. The Ministry of MSME hosted a dinner for them on January 25, 2026. This recognizes their contributions to coir production in coconut-growing regions.​
Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY) is a women-focused scheme under the Ministry of MSME that provides skill training and subsidized coir-spinning equipment to empower rural women, promote self-employment, and strengthen the coir industry. It is especially relevant in coconut-growing states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, where coir production is a major livelihood.
Key Highlights of Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY)
- Objective:
Empower rural women by training them in coir processing and providing them with spinning equipment at subsidized rates.
- Implemented by:
Coir Board, under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.
- Target Group:
Women from coconut-growing regions, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
Benefits & Assistance
- Skill Development Training:
- Women are trained in coir yarn spinning and product-making.
- Training programs include practical sessions on coir fibre extraction, spinning, and product diversification.
- Stipend Support:
- ₹1000 per month per trainee during training.
- For training programs shorter than one month, stipend is given on a pro-rata basis.
- Subsidized Equipment:
- After training, women receive motorized coir spinning equipment at subsidized rates.
- This enables them to start self-employment ventures or join coir cooperatives.
Opportunities for Women
- Start small-scale coir units producing mats, ropes, brushes, mattresses, and handicrafts.
- Join coir cooperatives or SHGs (Self-Help Groups) to collectively market products.
- Access government support for market development and export promotion under the broader Coir Vikas Yojana.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a woman from a coconut-growing state/region.
- Preference given to economically weaker sections and rural households.
- Basic interest in coir spinning and willingness to undergo training.
Challenges & Considerations
- Awareness Gap: Many rural women are unaware of the scheme; local NGOs and Panchayats play a key role in mobilization.
- Market Linkages: While training and equipment are provided, sustained income depends on access to buyers and cooperatives.
- Skill Upgradation: Continuous training is needed to diversify products beyond traditional ropes and mats.
Quick Comparison with Other Coir Schemes
| Scheme |
Focus Area |
Beneficiaries |
Assistance Provided |
| Mahila Coir Yojana |
Women empowerment, skill training, subsidized spinning equipment |
Rural women |
Training stipend + subsidized equipment |
| Coir Udyami Yojana |
Setting up coir units |
Entrepreneurs (men & women) |
Credit-linked subsidy (40% govt., 55% bank loan, 5% beneficiary) |
| Coir Vikas Yojana |
Market development, skill upgradation |
Coir workers & entrepreneurs |
Training, welfare, trade support |
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