Foot swings for the future
AIRIA and FDDI join hands to set up for a holistic growth in leather and non-leather foot wear in Eastern India
KABIRUL ISLAM.
Kolkata January 5th, 2023: All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), Eastern Zone, is partnering with the Footwear Design and Development Institute Kolkata an Institute of National Importance under the FDDI ACT, Ministry of Commerce & Industries. According to the partnership, AIRIA and FDDI will showcase new designs and technologies in Footwear manufacture in Eastern India.
The event will highlight Footwear designs by Graduates of FDDI which will be supported by Padma Shri Jhulan N Goswami, Ace World Cricketer.
Speaking at the occasion Mr. Ramesh Kejriwal, President of AIRIA, said “the partnership with FDDI will cater to the growing demand for new designs and technologies in Footwear.”
“It will be absolutely thrilling if AIRIA and FDDI can bring quality Sports shoes for the Indian Market. The aim is to bring India in the world map in quality products through our vision-“ Make in India”, said Jhulan Goswami, ace cricketer. “The aspiration is now to be at the top in all quality products that we can ‘Make in India”. I am sure that the local footwear industry will adopt the fascinating designs and new technologies provided by FDDI.
Footwear opportunity now in India…
Notably, there is a significant growth (of about 69 per cent) in non-leather footwear in India recently. Thus, it makes sense to create an ecosystem in India for Footwear component manufacturing and source as much as possible from within the country as a major step towards ‘Make In India’ which the industry is looking to harness and as a key element for development.
As designs are important and ever changing and have a short shelf life, buyers’ preferences change every 4 months. In this scenario, the Graduates from FDDI, Kolkata will play a significant role in providing the industry with state of art designs and technologies, for both leather and non leather shoes.
This ecosystem once set up will lead to a holistic growth. The partnership will also encompass the Footwear manufacturers based in the Eastern Zone who will adopt the new designs and technology offered by FDDI and focus on manufacturing and using components of international standard, which in turn directly impacts footwear quality.
Somdev Bhowmick, Regional committee Member of AIRIA, Eastern Zone said, “According to report released by the DPIIT (Department for the promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), the footwear sector generates 250 jobs for every investment of Rs 1 crore. Further, for every 1000 pairs produced and sold in India per day, this sector can create 425 jobs spanning manufacturing, allied industries and retail. This association aims to rope in investment of around 100 – 150 crores in next 3 years through this holistic approach. A full-fledged component eco-system will definitely attract big brands in this state through FDIs. This will help in creating huge employment opportunities in this part of the country.”
Total Indian footwear industry is to the tune of Rs 76,000 for 2020-21 with a growth of 6 to 7 percent CAGR. Growth in women footwear sector 11% CAGR. Total Indian production estimated at 3 billion pairs per annum with over 10000 manufacturing units. Easter Zone has a share of 15% – 18%.
Footwear components make up more than 70% of the product value. Major components are synthetic leather (Largely Rexene), knitted upper, stitched uppers, chemical compounds, sole, buckle, top puff counter etc.
India imports much of its requirement which is significantly high and post Covid import costs have gone very high and also unstable.
AIRIA, Eastern Zone, also wishes to bring in new tanneries in Eastern India to cater to the already existing demand of leather shoes. At present raw leather is mostly sent out of the state, processed and the finished product is brought back.
Global scenario..
It may be noted that 64% of the Global footwear and its component requirement is met by China. Vietnam with a small population has a share of 10 – 12 % of world trade whereas India has a share of around 2 %.
About AIRIA: All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) is a non- profit making organisation serving the rubber industry and trade with the objectives of safeguarding and promoting interests of the industry. There are over 1200 members all of whom are rubber product manufacturers across India. For more information click here: https://www.allindiarubber.net/
About FDDI: FDDI is an Institute of National Importance set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries; Govt of India has 12 campuses across India including two in the Easter Zone – Kolkata and Patna.
