Unlocking the Potential of Telangana's Footwear and Leather Industry: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

  Unlocking the Potential of Telangana's Footwear and Leather Industry: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions


The footwear and leather industry in Telangana is a sleeping giant. With a rich cultural heritage, skilled craftsmanship, and untapped resources, this sector holds immense promise. However, like any industry, it faces its share of challenges. From environmental concerns to stiff competition, the obstacles are significant but not insurmountable. Let’s explore these challenges in depth and delve into innovative solutions proposed by Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad, Chair of the School of Fashion Design at FDDI Hyderabad, for driving sustainable growth in this vital sector.



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The Challenges Facing Telangana’s Leather and Footwear Industry


1. Environmental Impact of Tanning


Leather tanning is at the heart of the industry, but it comes at a cost. The process generates hazardous effluents that pollute local water and soil. In Telangana, the lack of adequate Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) worsens the issue, leading to significant ecological damage.


Fact Check: A single tannery can generate up to 30-40 liters of wastewater per kilogram of hide processed, making it one of the most pollution-heavy industries.


2. Infrastructural Gaps


Unlike Tamil Nadu or Uttar Pradesh, Telangana lacks modernized leather clusters with state-of-the-art facilities. Without these, manufacturers face difficulties in scaling up production and competing on a global level.


Reality: Telangana’s contribution to India’s leather exports remains a mere 0.01%, highlighting the untapped potential of the state.


3. Fierce Competition


The industry struggles to hold its ground against well-established hubs like Chennai and Kanpur. These regions benefit from robust ecosystems, skilled labor, and government incentives, making it challenging for Telangana to attract investments.


4. Skill Shortages


Skilled labor is the backbone of any industry, and Telangana faces a significant gap in training artisans tailored to the specific needs of modern footwear and leather production.


Stat: Over 30% of Telangana’s leather workforce lacks access to formal training, reducing productivity and product quality.


5. Environmental Compliance Costs


While the government enforces strict environmental regulations, compliance often demands costly upgrades. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the majority of this sector, struggle to afford cleaner technologies and processes.



Sustainable Solutions for Growth: Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad’s Vision


To tackle these challenges, Prof. Gaikwad advocates for a multi-pronged approach aimed at sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. His recommendations are not only practical but also visionary in scope.


1. Cleaner Technologies


“Adopting eco-friendly tanning processes is non-negotiable for the future of this industry,” says Prof. Gaikwad. Investing in modern, sustainable technologies can drastically reduce the sector’s environmental footprint.


Example: Waterless tanning or vegetable tanning techniques can cut effluent generation by up to 60%.



2. Infrastructure Development


Creating dedicated leather clusters with shared resources like CETPs, design labs, and logistics hubs can provide a much-needed boost to the industry.


Suggestion: Telangana can look to Tamil Nadu’s success with its Ranipet Leather Cluster as a model.



3. Skill Development Initiatives


Collaboration between the government, academic institutions like FDDI, and the private sector can bridge the skill gap. Prof. Gaikwad emphasizes the importance of specialized training programs tailored to modern manufacturing needs.


Vision: Establishing "Leather and Footwear Training Hubs" across Telangana to empower rural artisans.



4. Government Support and Policy Reform


Prof. Gaikwad calls for policy-level interventions to ease the financial burden on SMEs:

Subsidies for adopting green technologies.

Simplified compliance procedures for small manufacturers.


Incentives for innovation in design and sustainable practices.



5. Branding and Market Diversification


The professor stresses the importance of building a strong brand identity focused on sustainability and craftsmanship. Exploring niche markets and premium product lines can reduce dependence on traditional buyers.


Success Story: Telangana could learn from the success of Tamil Nadu’s leather products in luxury markets.


The Way Forward


Telangana's leather and footwear industry has the potential to become a global leader. However, realizing this vision requires a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. By addressing environmental challenges, modernizing infrastructure, and empowering its workforce, this sector can unlock unprecedented growth.


As Prof. Gaikwad puts it, “Sustainability is not just a challenge; it is an opportunity. With the right investments and vision, Telangana can transform its leather and footwear industry into a benchmark for sustainable growth worldwide.”



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Join the Conversation


What do you think are the biggest opportunities for Telangana’s footwear and leather industry? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s discuss how we can collectively shape a sustainable future for this promising sector.


#SustainableDevelopment #FootwearIndustry #LeatherCraftsmanship #TelanganaGrowth #DesignInnovation


Authored by:

Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad

Chair, School of Fashion Design

FDDI Hyderabad





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