Footwear

The leather and footwear industry in India plays a pivotal role in driving growth, providing employment, and preserving cultural heritage, making it an important sector for the country's growth engine. Employing more than 4 Mn people, the leather industry serves as an important livelihood means for a vast majority of women in cities.

Endowed with 20% of the world's cattle and buffalo and 11% of the world's goats and sheep, India serves as a favorable destination for leather products that have been enhanced with skilled manpower, innovative technology, and increased industry compliance with standards. Being the second largest exporter of leather garments, third largest of saddlery and harnesses, and fourth largest of leather goods globally, the leather industry of India is a significant contributor to global supply chains and economic empowerment in addition to the intricate craftsmanship and quality. Due to rich, diverse history, fine craftsmanship, and availability of local raw materials, articles like Kolhapuri Footwear of Maharashtra and Mojari Footwear of Rajasthan are an attraction for international buyers.

With an aim to reach a turnover of $47 Bn by 2030, the government of India has launched the Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP) with an allocation of INR 1,700 Cr to boost the current infrastructure and dispense various incentives to the industries and manufacturing units engaged in the sector. India aims to establish itself as a hub to meet the increasing demand for leather products through various sub-schemes, including the establishment of leather footwear and accessories clusters, institutional facilities, and the promotion of Indian brands in the sector. This is being achieved by setting up design studios across the nation through various industrial collaborations like CSIR-CLRI and offering shoe/garment designing courses.

Industry is increasingly adopting eco-friendly tanning processes and waste reduction initiatives, embracing innovation and sustainable practices to minimising environmental impact. Being a vital pillar of the garments and footwear industry, the leather sector, combining tradition, innovation, and economic sustainability, remains a driving force in India's growth journey, offering vast opportunities for advancement.