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The leather business in India dates back thousands of years. In terms of export earnings, it is one of India’s eighth most important sectors, occupying a prominent position. India’s leather and the non-leather sector have gone from being a small provider of raw materials to one of the most important in the world. More than 4 million individuals are employed in the leather industry. The National Manufacturing Policy has also designated this industry as a sector of particular interest.
Key Information About India’s Leather Industry
The need for leather goods in the domestic market is mostly driven by the fashion, furniture, design, and automobile industries, which have seen a dramatic increase in demand. Accessories like purses, shoes, and clothing are all in high demand.
Clothing and footwear made from leather are manufactured in India, the world’s second-largest producer. At the moment, it makes up for 13% of all the leather that is manufactured worldwide.
The saddlery and harness industries, as well as footwear, leather items, and apparel, make up the bulk of India’s leather industry. India’s primary leather, leather goods, and footwear production and export centres are located in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
With access to 20% of the world’s cattle and buffalo and 11% of the world’s goat and sheep populations, India has a plethora of raw resources. Skillsets and innovative technology are also important assets.
The industry is also expanding its adherence to worldwide environmental standards, thanks in part to the dedicated support of related businesses. Indian leather garments and saddlery and harness goods are among the world’s leading exports.
Primary Drivers of the Leather Industry
Leather is primarily derived from buffaloes and goats in India because of the country’s large population of cattle and livestock. Since it is a country that relies heavily on cattle, India has an abundance of raw resources for the flourishing leather domain.
The leather business needs qualified workers, and India offers them in abundance. A competent and motivated staff has recently helped the leather industry thrive and will continue to do so in the future.
Exports
Export promotion and the growth of India’s leather industry are the primary concerns of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), an independent non-profit organisation. The Council’s membership includes about 3,500 enterprises involved in producing and exporting leather and leather goods.
Exports from India include raw-hide skins, leather items, completed goods, leather outfits, footwear components, saddlery, and harnesses. Leather garments and saddlery and harnesses are India’s second and third most popular exports. The leather industry in India includes training and education for young people in the trade.
A Career in Leather Industry
More than 4 million people are employed in the leather business, mainly from the poorer sections of society. The leather products industry employs a majority of women, accounting for 30% of total employment. One of the youngest industries, Indian leather employs over 55% of its workforce who are under 35 years of age.
The demographic dividend could propel this business to greater heights than previously thought. As a result, India’s leather industry must undergo several reforms to take advantage of this opportunity and maximise growth. The Indian government has implemented a slew of initiatives aimed at boosting the country’s leather industry.
A person who wants to work in the leather sector has to have a wide range of knowledge and abilities. A new set of skills is required for each stage of leather production, from extraction to tanning to polishing.
There’s a lack of expertise in the field that needs to be addressed. The leather sector skill council of India was established solely to address this issue and assist the leather industry in making use of the advantages afforded by the skilling industry.
In India, leather-related research and education are a top priority. Young people interested in a career in the leather business can take classes at places like the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) and the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI). In some cases, these courses can also help students land jobs in retail stores, particularly in chain-brand corporations.
The Expansion of the Industry
Leather items are in high demand as the fashion and garment sector continues to grow at a rapid rate. Indian footwear is imported by major companies, including Clarks, Pierre Cardin, and Tommy Hilfiger.
More than merely for exports, leather goods are in significant demand within India itself. A vast range of products in the furniture and automobile industries now require leather goods to be manufactured. As a result, the leather sector has seen significant growth on the local and international fronts due to the convergence of numerous industries such as fashion, vehicles, and furniture.
Final Words
This was an overview of the leather industry in India and its impact on the country’s economy. Leather is one of the world’s most traded commodities. Fashion, particularly footwear, is a major driver of leather demand development. It is also in demand in the furniture, interior design, and automotive industries. The leather sector has a key place in the Indian economy and is recognised for its substantial export earnings.
