Centre to promote leather industry in J&K, Bihar

Meanwhile, Union minister Jairam Ramesh said the Centre would focus on two new states for developing the leather industry. While a bulk of the leather industry operates in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and UP, the government is keen on promoting Jammu & Kashmir and Bihar due to the availability of ample raw hides, besides Andhra Pradesh, which is developing on its own.

As sheep skins are available aplenty in J&K and the best hides are available in large quantities in North Bihar, the Council of Leather Exports (CLE) has decided to extend all support to develop value-added products in these two states.

While a fair amount of homework has already been done in Bihar, the CLE's next council meeting is scheduled to be held in Srinagar on July 3 to discuss further plans.

Ramesh added that the ministry was planning to link large leather companies with women's SHGs to provide marketing, training and production assistance in leather products.

A V Thomas, Tata International and R R Leathers, have come forward to take this up. The first such project will come up at Kancheepuram within a month. Sixty SHGs, each comprising 15-20 women, are being targeted for this. The project will be extended to other states after successful implementation in Kancheepuram district.