Leather is one of the prominent sectors in Indian economy generating employment opportunities for 2.5 million workers, contributing US$6 billion worth of manufactured goods. Majority of this output is contributed by the SMEs clustered in 5 to 6 major locations. To enhance the competitiveness of the SME clusters and aid their performance, SIDBI launched a programme to strengthen the Business Development Services (BDS). This project, was launched in 2006, and is being co-funded by Department for International Development (DFID) of UK and GTZ of Germany.
Kanpur Leather Cluster- The Origin:
The Kanpur leather cluster has been selected as one of the clusters for the project. It includes units situated in Kanpur Urban, and Unnao districts. The cluster comprises of about 1600 SMEs providing employment to more than one lakh craftsmen.
History of this cluster dates back to 150 years ago, when the British set up factories for production of shoes and saddler items to meet military requirements. During World War I, the existing capacity was inadequate to meet the increasing demands. Local entrepreneurs were encouraged to set up manufacturing facilities for these items. World War II further motivated the growth of these industries, and in due course of time Kanpur became a prominent centre of production of leather & leather products.
The industry experienced a major turning point during the 60s when some entrepreneurs started exporting raw hides, semi finished/finished leather and other items. Soaring labor costs and environmental concerns led to the closure of units in developed countries, shifting of production base and resourcing to developing countries. This gave a defining moment for the Kanpur cluster, thus making it a major exporting centre for leather products.
The Industry paradigm:
The industry has a concentration of units producing semi finished, and finished leather footwear, saddler & harness items. A few units have started making leather garments and leather goods as well. Majority of the tanning units are situated in Jajmau, 10 kms from Kanpur, and a few units are located at Unnao and Banthar Industrial area in Unnao district. There are 1600 units engaged in the production of leather products generating a business of about Rs.2, 900 crores.
Achievements:
The cluster contributes Rs.2, 900 crores of production per annum. Kanpur cluster has created a niche for processing buffalo leather and owns the credit of being the only center in the country producing saddler items and safety shoes for foreign markets. It is also a global player in upholstery leather, footwear and leather goods. With motivated performance, their exports have doubled over the last 5 years from Rs.1068 crores in 2000-01 to Rs.2039 crores in 2005-06.
Leather Footwear:
The Kanpur cluster includes 1100 units in this sector, generating an annual turnover of Rs.930 crores. Of this exports constitute Rs.805 crores. It shares 32% of the overall business of the cluster. 50 factories involve into this process making fashion footwear with an output of 1000 pairs per day. Annual fancy footwear output is 150 lakh pairs and 90% of this is being exported. About 1000 household units are involved in making open footwear for low end and domestic market. These are mainly operated from residential places mainly employing family members.
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Saddlery and Harness:
Initially started by the British for meeting army, and police requirements, Kanpur; in due course of time acquired a name in making these products. This sector involves in making equipments, and accessories related to horse riding. Major products manufactured are saddle, bridals and harness, and accessories like stirrups, reins, bits, and breastplates etc. Kanpur has the credit of being the only centre in India for producing these items. About 150 firms export these items from Kanpur with a turnover of around Rs.1 crore for a year.
Leather Garments and Gloves:
Leather garments, purses, gloves, wallets, bags and other fashion accessories are manufactured here. 30 units are exporting these materials to various international countries.
Consumption of leather and leather products from countries like US, EU, Australia, and Japan has given a dramatic rise in the exports of these products. This provides ample opportunities for a country like India where there is adequate availability of raw materials and cheap labor. The share of India in global market for leather products is at 2.5% during the last ten years, and is likely to increase on its planned development, optimum utilization and maximizing returns particularly from exports.
Reference:
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