Livestock & leather sector must work jointly - LERIG

31 Jan '08

2 min read

To commemorate its diamond jubilee year, the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) organized Lerig 2008, the annual Leather Research Industry Get Together (LERIG) from January 28 to 30 in Chennai.

Addressing the inauguration, Professor M.S. Swaminathan, MP and Chairman, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation said that it's high time for setting up a joint industries board for the development of livestock and leather industry.

As the leather industry depends on its raw material from the animal husbandry sector, both industries are closely linked. The development of livestock and leather industry should go hand-in-hand and cooperation between the sectors is necessary.

Mr Rafeeque Ahmed, President, All India Skin and Hide Tanners and Merchants Association, said that the future for the industry had become the focus of domestic markets. This is perfect time for such measures, especially since new opportunities and several doors are opening up for the development of Indian leather sector.

Indian companies make about two billion pairs of shoes annually for the domestic market and exports are less than 100 million pairs. However, despite the small proportion of exports a lot of attention was spent on developing the export market.

Besides, India can make its presence felt, in the export markets too, despite the short-term issues such as the strengthening of Rupee. With more international players looking at investments in India, the industryhere is seen as a market for inputs and raw materials because of its production strengths.

More Textiles News - India...