The story
Agra's shoe trade goes back to the Mughal era, when craftsmen made footwear for the court and army. It grew into India's largest footwear cluster, spread over many neighbourhoods of the city. Household units and small karkhanas make shoes by hand for wholesale markets, while semi-mechanised factories make shoes for Indian and international brands.
In numbers
Agra has around 5,500-6,500 footwear units including 275 export-oriented units.
Cluster Diagnostic Report and Action Plan: Leather Footwear Cluster, Agra (TCSP, Office of DC MSME) · 2019Agra contributes around 65% to the country's domestic footwear demand and 28% to total footwear exports from India.
Cluster Diagnostic Report and Action Plan: Leather Footwear Cluster, Agra (TCSP, Office of DC MSME) · 2019The footwear units generate employment for more than 100,000 people, with a capacity of close to 2.5-3 lakh pairs a day; they produce close to 1.5-2 lakh pairs a day.
Cluster Diagnostic Report and Action Plan: Leather Footwear Cluster, Agra (TCSP, Office of DC MSME) · 2019As per the Council for Leather Exports, 275 export units in Agra generate approximately INR 3,200 crore worth of exports.
Cluster Diagnostic Report and Action Plan: Leather Footwear Cluster, Agra (TCSP, Office of DC MSME) · 2019Export of footwear components contributes revenue of about INR 36 crore annually in the Agra footwear market.
Cluster Diagnostic Report and Action Plan: Leather Footwear Cluster, Agra (TCSP, Office of DC MSME) · 2019
GI tag
- Agra Leather FootwearApplication no. GI Application No. 721; Registration No. 487GI Registry, IP India - Application 721: Agra Leather Footwear
Ways in for a newcomer
- Job work in upper stitching and lasting for factories
- Supplying soles, components, adhesives and lasts
- Own-brand shoes sold online
- Training and placement of footwear technicians
Problems the cluster faces
- Most units are household or karkhana units with old machines
- Cash-based wholesale trade with long credit
- Low capacity use in training and testing facilities
- Competition from non-leather and imported footwear
Businesses to start here
Leather Shoe Manufacturing →Leather Sandals with PU Sole →Injection-Moulded Leather Shoes (PVC Sole) →Handmade Shoe Making and Repair →Footwear & Leather Goods Unit →Children's Shoes →Comfort Walking Shoes →