Leather Industry Of India

The leather industry in India holds a very prominent place in the Indian economy. The leather and leather products industry is one of the oldest manufacturing industries in India. The Indian leather industry provides employment to about 2.5 million people in the country and has an annual turnover of approximately US$ 5,000,000.

The industry has a massive potential for providing more employment, growth, and exports. Recently, the exports of leather and leather products have gained massive momentum. The exports of Indian leather goods have registered phenomenal growth. This is mainly because great emphasis has been placed on the planned development of the leather industry and at the optimal utilization of available raw materials.

Over the years the leather industry in India has undergone drastic change from being a mere exporter of raw materials in the early 60’s and 70’s to now becoming an exporter of finished, value-added leather products. The main reason behind the transformation is the several policy initiatives taken by the government of India. The proactive government initiatives have yielded quick and improved results. Thanks to the government efforts today, the Indian leather industry has attained a prominent place in the Indian export and has made the industry one of the top 7 industries that earns foreign exchange for the country.

Since India adopted the globalization and liberalized economic policies in 1991, the leather industry has flourished consistently in several ways and has contributed heavily to the Indian exchequer. Though the industry has developed, it still has great potential for more growth and investments. Investing in Indian leather industry is particularly advantageous because the industry is poised to grow further and achieve a major share in the global trading market.

The government of India in its Foreign Trade Policy for 20002009 has identified the leather sector as a focus sector in view of its immense potential for export growth and generation of employment generation prospects.

Investment opportunities in the leather industry lie in different segments related to the industry, which include tanning and finishing of leather products, manufacturing of leather garments, manufacturing of leather footwear and footwear parts, and manufacturing of leather goods, such as harness and saddlery amongst a host of other opportunities.

Amongst all the industries mentioned above the footwear industry in particular holds greater potential for investments in India. India produces approximately 700 million pairs of leather footwear every year and accounts for an 18% share of the total Indian leather export.

After footwear manufacturing of leather goods promise great investment opportunity. Manufacturing of leather products, such as wallets, travel wares, belts, and handbags offer great returns on investment.

India is one of the best destinations in the world for investing in the leather industry because India is endowed with abundant raw materials required for the industry to grow. India has a huge population of cattle. India accounts for 21% of the worlds cattle and buffalo and 11% of the worlds goat and sheep population. Apart from the easy availability of raw materials, investors are able to enjoy an easy and abundant supply of skilled manpower, world-class technology, competent and favorable environmental standards, and the devoted support of allied industries.

Several leading international leather goods manufacturing brand names, such as Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Guess, and DKNY, have invested in India and are engaged in sourcing leather goods from India.

Scenario Of Mobile Industry In India

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge from the time that mobiles were unheard of in India to the present where they have become almost ubiquitous. Beginning from those days, Indian subscribers paid around Rs. 16.40 for a mobile to mobile call and around Rs 32.80 for a mobile to a landline call. Today, as per recent statistics, customers pay far lesser for calls and occasional text messages that add up to around Rs 300 a month and upwards.

Now that mobiles have moved into the affordable bracket, there is a great demand for additional mobile services such as mobiles, email, stock market quotes, and astrology services, just to name a few.

A recent survey pointed to the fact that for most customers, mobile phones have become an extension of their personality. Many go a step ahead to say that mobile phones define their individuality as well.

In such a scenario, it is worthwhile to compare the growth of the mobile phone industry vis-a-vis the computer industry in India. According to recent statistics, there are nearly 300 million mobile phone subscribers as compared to just around 30 million PCs in the country. Additionally, around 8 million subscribers are signing up every month for mobile services alone.

For most individuals, mobile phones are becoming a single point of contact for the world surrounding them covering a wide range of utilities like emailing, entertainment, and banking.

More and more people are looking out for more than just talk time on their mobiles. All this is generating a lot of enthusiasm for mobile companies. A number of serious players in this industry are looking at a range of such value added services, which have the capability to boost their bottom line.

Not only are Indians enthralled, but they started spending a considerable amount on these services too. This figure amounted to around $250 million last year. This figure is expected to reach $1.7 billion by the year 2010. This is a boon in disguise for Indian cellular operators who are seriously looking forward to enhance their revenues. Currently, nearly 80% of the revenues come from services like ring tones and SMS. This makes India the second largest mobile market on earth.

The young mobile savvy generation currently feels less privileged in nearly every sector. And thats precisely what is fuelling the growth in mobile services across the country. As the market expands but fulfilling the needs of mobile users by providing them attractive services, mobile phones are becoming a new vehicle for reaching out to the mobile generation.

Mobile content providers also visualise a big jump in their services. These include many global companies such as Google, Yahoo and MSN, which have signed up with many Indian operators like Airtel, Bharti, Vodafone, Tata, and Reliance Communications. Together, they offer a host of services based on the local and regional markets in their area of operation.

The Indian mobile scenario seems to be all set for the next stage expansion and consolidation, but there are a few complications as well. Not all users can afford costlier services beyond messaging and talk time. What is expected is increase in the already growing user base so such services can become affordable to one and all in the long run.

How Has Been The Growth Of Chemical Industry In India

The chemical industry in India is counted among those industries that began working immediately after the countrys independence in 1947. So, it is one of the oldest contributors towards the Indian economy. At present the average annual growth rate of the industry is 12.5 percent.

The Indian chemical industry is divided into a number of segments and each segment has significantly contributed towards the overall growth of the industry. A number of favorable factors have supported the industry well to show desired progress rate. You can learn about these factors and have an overview of the industry as well as exporters and
chemicals importer from the following discussion.

It was till 1991 that India was a closed economy. However, the adoption of liberal policy in 1991 benefited most of the industries, including the chemical industry in India. Since then, the industry has gained recognition in the global economy. Today, it ranks at the 12th position in the world in terms of the production size. Also, the industry contributes 13 percent towards the total export from India at present.

It has been estimated that in few years to come, the industry is going to attain the worth of 100 billion US dollars. To achieve this target, there is need for the improvement in the following areas:
* More number of entrepreneurs is required to steer the industry on the path of expected growth.

* Growth of the overseas sales network to help industrial chemical manufacturers in India to find international buyers.

* Increase in direct employment within the industry.

* Stress on chemical manufacturing knowledge and specialty.

* Improvement in the standards of health and safety.

* Increased use of information technology in the industry.

* And of course, the increase in specialty chemical plants.

The chemical industry in India is divided into various segments. Some of the main segments and their progress statistics are as below:

* Inorganic chemicals constitute one of the major segments of the countrys total chemical production. A growth rate of 9 percent is recorded for the segment that includes alkalis, fertilizers and detergents as main chemicals.

* Drugs and pharmaceuticals are among the most exported chemicals from India. This segment of the Indian chemical industry ranks at 4th position in the world. The growth rate of 8 to 9 percent is recorded by the segment.

* Agro-chemical products include pesticides and fertilizers as the main chemicals in this category. The 10 percent domestic market growth rate is recorded by this segment.

* Dyes and paints segment has a growth rate of about 12 percent. The segment also includes polymers and other related chemicals.

* Petrochemicals in the Indian chemical manufacturing industry have the fastest growth rate of 15 percent.

Considering the growth trends in different sections of the chemical industry in India, one can easily place the industry among major contributors towards the overall growth of the countrys economy. To improve the sales network for the Indian chemicals, the manufacturers and suppliers need to rely upon the online b2b networks. The b2b directories are the places where small and medium sized chemical manufacturing enterprises can gain more benefits.

Packaging Industry In India- Factors Affecting Its Growth

Packaging Industry is one of the major industries in India that has significant role in creating wealth for the nation, by preserving and protecting the value created by other manufacturing units. The industry helps in preserving innumerable products including drugs and medicines, edible oils, fruits and vegetables, milk and biscuits, semi-processed foods, electronic goods and a lot more.

Packaging Industry is not merely remained to ‘packing’ but with the branding in vogue and rising consumer preferences, it’s role has become catalytic in the Indian economy. The objective of packaging is to meet the criteria of attractiveness, convinience and safety. Heightened competition in the Indian manufacturing sector is paving the way for the industry to move towards International market. Other reasons for playing it big in export is due to availibility of low cost packaging material and higher technology means.

The present modern economy follows the slogan, “Better Quality of Life Through Better Packaging”, by World Packaging Organisation s (WPO). The growth of packaging industry has led to the sophistication from health’s point of view. This has led to the manufacturing of environmental friendly packaging materials that demands an attention to be paid on the seggregation and reutilization of synthetic packaging material.

Factors Affecting Growth of Packaging Industry in India:

1. Industrialization, urbanization and Indian economy’s liberalization paired with globalisation are the major factors fuelling its growth.
2. Cost advantages are making India one of the most preferred export hubs.
3. Rural marketing and low purchasing power of middle or lower class Indians leads to purchase of sachets or small packs. Products such as fairness cream, shampoo, toothpaste, food items, tobacco, betel nut-based mouth freshners, etc. are much in demand and this packaging format is not in trend elsewhere.
4. Increasing personal health consciousness among Indians and increasing awareness towards diseases like AIDS and other STDs, have raised the demand for contraceptives’ and disposables syringes’ usage that has led to an increase in packaging required for the same.
5. Changing eating habits among Indians and increasing restaurants and fast food chains all over the country fuelling the growth of packaging all over the country.

Here are the list of Top 10 Indian manufacturers and exporter of packaging in India:

ITC Limited
Parksons Packaging System
Hindalco
Gujarat Glass Ltd
Tata Tinplate Company of India
Moldtek Technologies Limited
E C Packaging Pvt. Ltd
Advance Packaging
AMAC Plastic Packaging
The Paper Products Limited

Purposes fulfilled by packaging industry in India:

1. Containment: Products contained in container can be easily moved from one palce to another. This helps in protecting environment by avoiding lead to spillages that results in severe losses and damages.

2. Protection and Preservation: Packaging is done to ensure that consumers get the products in good condition. Packaging protects the product from contaminants, hazardous substance, climatic effects and from infestation.

3. Added Product Protection: The technology in packaging contributes in food science advancement, reduces food spoilage percentage and ensure food safety.

4. Communication: Packaging is a mode of conveying messages in modern world. The information descripted on products’ cover make the consumers informed to decide for the products purchase and its use.

5. Convenience: Packaging offers convinience as well. Convinient packaging like frozen food packs, wine cardboard casks, microwavable containers, food cans and aseptic cartons, and easy-open beverage are some good examples. Medical packaging is done in a way to reduce the accidental overdose risk and have child resistant closures.

6. Marketing Trends: Packaging gives increased emphasis on sales appeal, retail packing’s quality and look. Packaging supports brand awareness, brand identities, convinience and properly reflect the current consumer trends, preferences and images.

Indian Art And Craft Industry- An Overview

Indian Art and Craft Industry- An Overview

India is a land where every corner is evident with the greatness of art and craft. The traditional quintessence of Indian art and craft can be seen even in the daily used objects like earthen pot, mugs, bed-sheets or any such things. The objects are created with a great creativity that portrays magnificent work of art. That is what Indian art and craft industry is!

Indian art and craft is an old saga. Although, the present state of the industry is flourishing with a touch of contemporary designs and patterns but it is deeply entrenched with the rich craft customs from the past. The uniqueness in the Industry lies in its own way.

India”s richness in art and craft can be seen in every product whether garments, Jewelleries or household furnishings. These products are a perfect mix of traditional designs and modern techniques. Due to their diversity in designs and their being utilitarian in nature, they are high in demand. This has given many Indian traders to invest in the industry and flaunt India”s custom across the world. Products such as table mats, napkins, bed sheets, lamp shades etc are made out astoundingly with the use of natural material, textile printing, block printing, tie and die, hand printing etc, and are much in demand. Gems and jewelries are other obsession of India. The rising demands in gems and jewelries have transformed Indian craft traditions into a full-grown organized industry. Garments such as woolen shawls and phirens from Himachal, traditional sarees ranging from Banarsi Amru, Tanchoi, Paithani, Patola, and Kancheevaram are the most popular export garments. Indias zardozi and brocade work are highly recognized these days. Other utilitarian craft products like cushions, curtains, bedcovers, sheets, metal furniture, wood furniture, boxes, cabinets, terracotta items, utensils, garden pots, papier-mch products, brass and silverware, carpets, rugs and durries from Kashmir, jute and coir items, wood and stone sculptures, traditional paintings, decorative pieces, embellished wooden sculptures, stone and wood carvings, and many more are on the rise in India as well as in abroad.

Here is the Swot Analysis of the Indian art and craft industry that gives you more information on the present status of the industry;

Strengths

“The industry has potential in domestic as well as international markets.

“It provides wide variety in each product and exhibit diversified culture of India.

“Industry caters to the different market sectors covering handicrafts, textiles and jewelries.

“Gives potential source of employment

“It requires low capital investment

“It is a great source of foreign revenue as it is a huge export industry.

Weakness

“Industry lacks communication and infrastructure

“Lack of co-ordination between Indian manufacturers-exporters and Government

“Inadequate information available on new technology

“Industry is still confined to rural areas of the nation

“No promotional support is given to the sector

Opportunities

“Emerging demands of Indian crafts across overseas

“Development of retail sectors and changing lifestyles offer huge requirements of such products

“Rise in the industry is due to development in tourism

“Internet has emerged as a mean to develop its market network

Threats

“Increasing competition in domestic markets

“Quality products manufacturing by countries like South Africa and China

“Better trade terms are offering by these countries

“Competing countries offer better technological support and R&D development facilities

“Challenge to establish balance between demand and supply of quality products

The reason why Indian art and craft is highly appreciated and constantly flourishing in domestic and foreign markets are due to its utilitarian nature and high acceptance among people of India and people across the whole world.