There are approximately 1.5 million people employed in the leather industry in Tamil Nadu, and a recent press release said it is currently valued at $12 billion and poised to reach $27 billion by 2020.
Yet,Tamil Nadu is facing a shortage of raw materials and skilled labour, according to State Rural Industries Minister P Mohan.
"The $12.5-billion leather industry is facing two big challenges: [a] shortage of raw material and manpower," he said. "As the centre for manufacturing, especially for the leather sector, Tamil Nadu has a continued need for skilled manpower."
At the time, Mohan was participating in a function to hand over certificates to candidates who completed courses offered by the Central Footwear Training Institute, backed by Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation. Assuring the government's support to the leather industry, he appealed to the candidates to use the skills for the growth of the industry. According to him, 40% of the country's production is happening in the Vellore, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts.
