Date:16/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/07/16/stories/2004071600440300.htm

Back CLE undertakes 2 projects for better cattle upkeep

Our Bureau

Kolkata , July 15

WITH a view to addressing environmental and animal rights issues that have been raised, the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has taken up two projects for better handling of cattle and housing them in a better environment. These upgraded facilities would be located at Uluberia on the outskirts of Kolkata and in Coimbatore.

Speaking to newspersons, the Chairman of CLE, Mr S.S. Kumar, said that these two facilities would be funded by the CLE and sponsors.

He stressed upon the need to amend certain laws for better upkeep of cattle and their transportation.

Earlier, Mr Kumar addressed an `Eco awareness seminar' organised by the SGS Group, the Switzerland-based inspection, verification, testing and certification company.

Speakers at the seminar said that there was increasing pressure on Indian firms exporting leather and textile products to the European Union (EU) to comply with the environment, health, safety and social norms as prevalent there to retain market share.

These norms have a significant impact on trade due to the costs involved in adjusting products and production facilities to comply with differing legislation and technical requirements in the EU and the cost of demonstrating compliance with these requirements.

The EU accounts for 62 per cent of India's exports of leather and leather products.

Since Kolkata accounts for 16 per cent of India's exports of leather and leather products, it is important for exporters in the region to be informed about new provisions governing environment, health, safety and social norms that may come in the way of their expanding their businesses in the EU.Dr Helmut Krause of SGS Germany said that markets should be in harmony with all stakeholders such as raw material producers, manufacturers, testing agencies, etc.

Mr Asit Baran Kanungo, General Secretary of Indian Leather Technologists Association, said that India has been an under-achiever in leather exports on account of several factors.