'Brown revolution' planned to augment leather industry

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, NOV. 28.A major initiative to usher in a `brown revolution' in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at tapping the vast leather goods market was proposed to be launched.

Andhra Pradesh contributed ten per cent of India's raw material but its share in the nation's leather trade was a meagre 0.8 per cent (Rs. 76 crores) leaving much ground to cover.

Making a presentation at the District Collector's conference here on Wednesday, the Managing Director of LIDCAP, Mr. Krishna Prasad, said only five per cent of raw material was being processed in the State while the balance 95 per cent was being transported to other States where employment was being generated and taxes accrued.

Under the action plan, it was proposed to establish 72 mini leather parks, 16 medium parks and six mega parks over the next five years. During the current year, it was proposed to open mini-parks in Mahabubnagar, Karimnagar, Kurnool, Anantapur, Nellore, Guntur, and Srikakulam, medium parks at Warangal and Nalgonda and a mega park in Chittoor district.

Mr. Prasad explained that the leather industry had a potential of generating 7.42 lakh jobs, a majority of them for women, besides raising revenue to the tune of Rs. 150 crores in the form of taxes. He said lack of infrastructure and absence of a sectoral policy were among the main bottlenecks for development of the industry.

Tamil Nadu has 148 footwear units, 151 leather garments units and 138 leather goods units in the organised sector whereas A.P. had only 17 units in all, clearly showing how the State lagged behind in the field.

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Section  : Southern States
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