‘Leather industry will take a year to pick up pace’

RAJU Virk, owner of a leather industrial unit, shares the problems being faced by the industry and opportunity he sees in future in a conversation with Aakanksha N Bhardwaj. Excerpts:

How has the lockdown impacted your business?

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had already ordered the shutting down of tanneries in the Jalandhar leather complex. Some non-polluting units, however, were operational outside the complex, but after the lockdown, it proved to be a double whammy. The industry, which was on ventilator, is nowhere right now.

How much time will it take for the revival of the industry?

Leather products are not essential items and people won't buy products anytime soon when the lockdown is lifted. It will at least take six to 12 months for the industry to come back on track.

What challenges will the industry face in future?

Once the lockdown is lifted, people will buy leather-related items after a long time. Their priority will remain on buying essential things. This is the major challenge that we will face in the coming time.

Do you also see any opportunity?

We are also expecting that we may get some boom and there could be good prospects in future. As China is the major producer of shoes, we think that people might stay away from buying and using Chinese products. So in this way, we will be benefitted. But, it will all depend on the length of the lockdown.

What is the strategy or plan to restart the unit?

It all depends on demand and supply. Thereafter, we will be able to find out how can be fulfilled the same. As of now, there is no point of making any strategy.

How does exodus of migrant workers affect the work?

They are free to go to their families and we cannot stop them. But, they will eventually come back and we share an immense bond with them.