Indian Footwear Manufacturers Are Self-Reliant To What Extent
The artisans of a country make it what it is in terms of the growth of the manufacturing industry – the crafts of craftsmen in India.
Before the pandemic, majority of industries in the country were freely depending on economical sourcing of raw materials from various parts of the Globe. This chain of supply from outside the country’s boundaries broke as part of the harsh effects of COVID-19 pandemic. The cut-off of raw materials from other countries enforced Indian industries to re-establish their domestic supply chains from various states. The mission for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ has been boosted the most during this otherwise painful period.
This light in the darkness has showered its blessings on one of the glittering and burgeoning industries in India, the footwear industry. The efforts of the footwear brands to achieve specialization in certain types of footwear and sourcing their materials from the Indian cities, manufacturing & packaging them here, has made it easy for Indians to become more ‘Vocal for Local’.
Being second to China in the production of footwear, India has the potential to overtake it by increasing its home production of quality non-leather shoes along with the already blooming leather shoe industry. Indians are known for their hard work and craftsmanship as the skilled people here not only master the traditional ways of production but also discover and learn new technologies for easy and timely production of shoes.
The thought of which seemed impossible before this pandemic has become a reality in the current scenario. By establishing the supply and manufacturing chain within India, there has been a realization to the Indian manufacturers that they are already at par with their global counterparts and competitors. In helping the country becoming self-reliant; a generous part has been played by small and medium-sized establishments.
During times of crisis, the government needs to come up and encourage the citizens to turn distress into opportunities and focus on the growth of the industry and the country. The Government of India came forward to make the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ a reality on the ground rather than it being just publicized on papers. A package of 20 lakhs crore was announced by the government to support the local industry and prevent any exhaustion of the economy in times to come.
Coming to the footwear industry and market which grew 4.5% in the last fiscal year, the current scenario isn’t as pleasing as it was expected. From practically relocating the supply chain within India and leaving a minimum requirement for import of raw material to expecting a concession in the import duty; the Indian footwear industry is taking up all the challenges to re-establish its growth in the market and gradually becoming the largest exporter of footwear. Increased production of quality footwear within India can bridge the gap between supply and demand.
What adds to the way of India becoming completely ‘atmanirbhar’ are the natural factors that promote the growth of industries including the footwear industry. The manpower available here is ready to contribute to this movement and work hard with complete dedication; getting back on track and making its way ahead post the ‘Make in India’ movement of 2014. The path is hard, the pace is gradual, but the efforts would surely pay off.
Making fashion statements which ally with the latest fashion trends, making quality shoes that would increase the export of Indian footwears and represent Indian brands of footwear around the globe in considerable proportion besides fulfilling the country’s need; Indian footwear industry is ready to provide more people secure careers as it has already done in the past. The entrepreneurs of the footwear industry have experienced constant fruitful business as the demand for footwear does not rely on seasons and they are needed all-round the year.
Another aspect that can work in favor of the growth of the Indian footwear industry around the globe along with overcoming the gust it has got during the COVID-19 pandemic is the inclusion of technology in the business. The online market can be boosted with the inclusion of the medium and small-sized footwear industry and brands on websites on the internet. Making a brand live on the web increases its visualization to multiple folds as they are available 24 hours and all 7 days of the week to people living in almost all the countries in the world.
No industry can do without ample participation of youth. A slight push from the reforms, laws, rules & regulations, career guidance and the Government of India can help the youth of India realize the importance of entrepreneurship. The gradual efforts of youth in the footwear industry can also help them earn good profits and give the required boost to the economy of the country. The fresh blooded Indian youth can also help in discovering innovations and technologies that can help in the growth of the footwear industry.
The beaming light of hope in the night of this pandemic has given a new direction and boost to the footwear industry. The efforts together can progressively make the Indian footwear industry to the top among the global industries, and self-reliant in true terms.
