What is the direction in which the Indian leather industry is progressing?
Leather industry is targeting an 8-10 per cent share in global trade by 2010-11. The industry is aiming at doubling export turnover to $4 billion by this time. But this would need investment of at least Rs 12,000 crore in plant and machinery and infrastructure development during the next seven years. Of this, Rs 2,600 crore should come in the next four years, by both the private sector and the government. New investment flow has to be as joint ventures and foreign direct investment. Investment has also to be made in the modernisation of tanneries, and product manufacturing units, setting of new leather parks, etc. The growth drivers will be footwear and footwear component industries. CLRI has initiated a human resource development mission for leather. As part of the 10th Plan programme the institute is working on global benchmarking of best practices for leather units. Action has also started on setting up an international leather complex in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
