There was a time when Indian leather had a reputation in the world and there was a good global demand for it. Those were the achche din for Indian leather. Because of a number of changes in leather market, India has lost this position and our export has come down.
Naturally tanned or finished leather was held in high esteem in the world of fashion. Leather was being used mainly for garments, shoes, belts, bags, suitcases, gloves and industrial products. But now alternatives for leather have been invented, which are comparatively cheaper than genuine leather. Now many alternate non-leathers have flooded world markets. First, it was foam (synthetic) leather. It looks just like leather minus the golden qualities of natural leather. Synthetic or artificial leather is being promoted on a very big scale under the names of Vegan leather, coconut leather, leather touch, letherrette, etc. etc.
Because of the availability of cheap synthetic varieties, the natural leather has lost its importance. Therefore, the leather industry is in a difficult position, and it requires special support from the government. Two decades back, leather and leather goods exports were the sixth largest foreign exchange provider for India. But now it has lost that position. China and some other competitors have overtaken our name and fame in this field.
India has still a very large population of goats, sheep, and bovines. Therefore, we are able to have a very large supply of hides and skins. In the past, there was such a good demand for our leather products that India was importing raw skins and hides from African and other countries. But now that position has changed. Indian craftsmanship in leather goods has still a good reputation in the global market. Therefore, if proper attention and encouragement is given, we can regain our pristine position.
Leather and leather goods industries had been providing jobs to millions of poor and low-income segments of Indian population. But now we are passing through a period in which millions of Indians are jobless. Further, more young people are regularly entering the job market. Therefore, the government and the industrialists must devise plans to expand leather industry and provide workers and jobseekers with jobs in this sector. It will go a long way in providing jobs to the skilled and unskilled youth of poor sections.
Radiance gives utmost importance to job creation in the present times of shrinking job market. Therefore, in the present issue we have focused on leather sector. We hope the articles on the subject in this issue will draw attention to this important matter. In this way, the leather sector can regain its primacy in Indian business circles. Leather is gold and there’s nothing like genuine leather. It has the potential to boost the country’s economy and provide more jobs. Again, the world will come to understand that leather is gold and there’s nothing like leather while alternatives are just poor imitations of golden leather.