Agra, Aug 10 (KNN) The centuries-old footwear industry of Agra was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making it the 53rd product of Uttar Pradesh to enter the elite club, reported India Today.

"With the cooperation of NABARD UP and the state government, 2 handicrafts of the state, Agra leather footwear (GI registration number-721), and Jalesar metal craft (GI registration number-722) got GI tag status," said GI expert Padmashree Rajinikanth.

Meanwhile, Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC) President Puran Dawar said that the AFMEC team had been working closely on every aspect of its legal process for the last 3 years.

As per reports, the AFMEC had applied for GI certification in December 2020 and after a long legal process, Agra's leather footwear received the GI tag.

The GI tag to the Agra’s leather industry will help increase exports along with extensive employment in the coming times. The Industry will play a strong role in the self-reliant India campaign. Raw-material depots, CFCs, specialized toolkits as well as training of artisans would pave the way and other special schemes would be launched.

At present, more than five lakh people are directly involved in Agra’s shoe manufacturing industry.  (KNN Bureau)