Recently, the Union Government has given its approval for the extension of the ‘Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme’ (IFLDP) till 31st March 2026 or until further review. This is a continuation of the earlier IFLADP (Indian Footwear Leather and Accessories Development Programme).
About the IFLDP Scheme
The IFLDP is a Central Sector Scheme, launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its primary goal is the development of infrastructure within the leather sector. It addresses environmental concerns specific to the industry, facilitates additional investments, stimulates employment generation, and boosts production.
The sub-schemes under this program include Sustainable Technology and Environmental Promotion (STEP), Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS), Mega Leather Footwear and Accessories Cluster Development (MLFACD), Establishment of Institutional Facilities (EIF), Brand Promotion of Indian Brands in Footwear and Leather Sector and Development of Design Studios in Footwear and Leather Sector.
Impact of the erstwhile IFLADP
The IFLADP has had a direct impact on quality employment, particularly for women, skill development, fostering environmentally-friendly industry processes, and promoting sustainable production systems. The leather clusters throughout India have benefited in terms of poverty reduction, gender equality, industry-specific skill and education development. This touches many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other National Development Plans linked to economic growth, job creation, health and well-being, infrastructure development, affordable and clean energy have also been served well by the IFLAD Programme.
Current Status of India’s Leather Industry
India’s Leather industry accounts for approximately 13% of global leather production of hides/skins and boasts an impressive annual production of about 3 billion sq. ft. of leather. Known for its consistent high export earnings, it stands among the top ten foreign exchange earners for India.
With access to 20% of the world’s cattle and buffalo and 11% of the global goat and sheep population, India has an abundance of raw materials. This employment-intensive industry provides jobs to over four million people, primarily from weaker societal sections, with women having about a 30% share in the Leather products industry.
The Leather industry in India is home to one of the youngest workforces worldwide, with 55% of workers under the age of 35. As of 2022, India ranks as the second-largest producer of footwear and leather garments, the second-largest exporter of leather garments, and the fifth-largest exporter of leather goods & accessories.
The key production centres for leather and footwear products are found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Major markets for Indian Leather & Footwear Products encompass the USA, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, U.A.E, China, Hong Kong, Belgium, and Poland. The USA is the largest importer of Indian leather and leather products, accounting for 25.19% of the country’s total leather exports during April-August 2022.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024