Transforming the Leather and Footwear Industry in Andhra Pradesh: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions for SC Community Cobblers

Transforming the Leather and Footwear Industry in Andhra Pradesh: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions for SC Community Cobblers


The leather and footwear industry in Andhra Pradesh has long been a cornerstone of livelihood for many, especially the Scheduled Caste (SC) community cobblers, who play a pivotal role in this sector. However, the industry faces pressing challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. This blog delves into these challenges and presents transformative solutions proposed by Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad, Chair of the School of Fashion Design at FDDI Hyderabad, to ensure the inclusive and sustainable development of this vital sector.



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Understanding the Challenges


1. Environmental Impact of Traditional Practices


Leather tanning is one of the most environmentally taxing processes, generating hazardous chemical effluents. These pollutants not only degrade local ecosystems but also pose significant health risks to communities involved in the process.


Reality Check: A single tannery can produce 40 liters of wastewater per kilogram of hide processed.


Impact in Andhra Pradesh: The lack of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) has exacerbated pollution levels, particularly in rural clusters where cobblers operate.




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2. Infrastructural Deficiencies


Unlike Tamil Nadu or Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh lacks the necessary infrastructure to support the leather and footwear industry. Dedicated leather clusters, equipped with modern facilities such as CETPs, design labs, and logistics hubs, are glaringly absent.


Fact: Andhra Pradesh’s share in India’s leather exports is less than 3%, underscoring the need for focused infrastructural development.




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3. Skill Gaps in Craftsmanship


The SC community cobblers possess immense traditional knowledge but lack access to modern training. This skill gap reduces productivity and quality, limiting their ability to compete in global markets.


Statistic: More than 35% of cobblers in Andhra Pradesh have no formal training in modern design and manufacturing techniques.




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4. Market Access and Branding Issues


Cobblers from the SC community often operate in informal markets with limited access to larger, more lucrative markets. The lack of a collective branding strategy further diminishes their visibility and earning potential.


Challenge: Without a cohesive marketing and branding approach, these artisans struggle to attract high-paying customers, especially in international markets.




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5. Financial Constraints


Small-scale cobblers face difficulty in accessing affordable credit. This restricts their ability to invest in quality materials, advanced tools, and sustainable practices.


Reality: Over 60% of cobblers in Andhra Pradesh rely on informal credit systems with high-interest rates, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.




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Solutions Proposed by Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad


To address these challenges, Prof. Gaikwad suggests a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach aimed at empowering the SC community cobblers while fostering sustainable growth in Andhra Pradesh’s leather and footwear industry.


1. Implementing Eco-Friendly Practices


Adopting sustainable tanning methods and materials is crucial to reducing the environmental footprint of the industry. Prof. Gaikwad advocates for the introduction of vegetable tanning and waterless tanning techniques, which are less harmful to the environment.


Suggestion: Establish eco-friendly tanning units in rural clusters with government subsidies.


Impact: Reduces effluent generation by up to 60%, improving community health and environmental quality.


2. Developing Dedicated Leather Clusters


Creating state-of-the-art leather clusters with shared resources like CETPs, design centers, and manufacturing units can revolutionize the industry.


Proposal: Andhra Pradesh should establish Integrated Leather Development Zones (ILDZs) in key regions.


Impact: Enhances productivity, reduces costs, and attracts domestic and international investors.


3. Enhancing Skill Development


Prof. Gaikwad emphasizes the importance of targeted training programs that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design and manufacturing techniques.


Initiative: Launch specialized training programs in collaboration with institutions like FDDI and local NGOs.


Outcome: Empowers cobblers to create high-quality products, meeting global standards.



4. Establishing Market Linkages and Branding


Building strong market linkages and developing a unique brand identity for SC cobblers can significantly enhance their earning potential.


Strategy: Form cooperatives to collectively market products under a unified brand, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and sustainability.


Example: Andhra Pradesh could replicate Tamil Nadu’s success in promoting its leather goods as luxury products.



5. Financial Support and Subsidies


Providing easy access to affordable credit and government subsidies can empower SC cobblers to invest in quality materials and tools.


Recommendation: Implement low-interest loans and financial literacy programs for cobblers.


Impact: Enables small-scale artisans to scale operations and improve product quality.




6. Policy Advocacy and Government Support


Strong policy support is essential to sustain the growth of the leather and footwear industry. Prof. Gaikwad suggests a collaborative approach involving policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions.


Proposal: Advocate for policies that provide tax incentives for sustainable practices, subsidies for green technologies, and funding for research and development.


Outcome: Creates a supportive ecosystem for growth and innovation.




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A Vision for the Future


Prof. Gaikwad envisions a future where the SC community cobblers of Andhra Pradesh are not just participants but leaders in the global leather and footwear industry. By addressing the existing challenges through innovative and inclusive solutions, the state can unlock the immense potential of this sector.

Call to Action


What can we do as educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to support the SC community cobblers in Andhra Pradesh? Let’s collaborate to create a roadmap for sustainable growth and empowerment.


Join the conversation and share your insights in the comments below!


#Sustainability #LeatherIndustry #FootwearInnovation #SCCommunityEmpowerment #AndhraPradeshGrowth


Authored by:

Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad

Chair, School of Fashion Design



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