Cuckoo for Coconut

India’s Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has implored the country’s scientific community to do more to pass along knowledge to the common man. As example, he cited the positive role that geotextiles can play. Though Bhattacharjee referred to coconut-fiber “geotextiles,” a fast-growing industry in India, his message applies to the entire geotextile field.
The natural fiber varieties (more closely akin to short-term erosion control blankets) are used in embankments and roads in India. While they do not offer as much strength and long-term performance as synthetic geotextiles, they provide a way for developing countries to subtly improve infrastructures at lower cost. Also, and more importantly, they help pass along engineering knowledge on a broad level.