A Mission mode programme was launched on 12 January
1995 with CSIR as the implementing institution. The Leather Technology
Mission (LTM) aimed at development of a technology driven development
grid integrating the needs of the decentralized as well as organized
sectors. LTM is one of the first Missions implemented directly by
a scientific institution. The technology proving phase of LTM implemented
over a four year time frame has made tangible and traceable impact
with the commissioning of 170 activities in 17 States.
The management approach for project implementation
included identification of areas of technology support (chosen technologies
for referencing to social context); modes and mechanisms for technology
delivery and implementation; establishment of linkages, networks
with agencies (NGO’s, industry/industry association, academia, user
Ministers, KVIC, State Government agencies) for ensuring sustainability
of outputs delivered; monitoring of outputs through Peer review
and third party audit.
Major technology
initiatives through LTM included resource augmentation efforts through
establishment of fallen carcass recovery centers at various locations
in the country; animal health care systems aimed at providing better
quality skins for the leather sector;engineering inputs through
development of prototypes; design engineering packages for establishment
of leather complexes; implementation of cleaner technologies viz.
less salt curing techniques, ammonia free deliming, better chrome
management, chrome recovery and reuse systems, process control systems.
Innovations in human resource development activities have been made
to enable skill upgradation of grass root level personnel thus facilitating
reaching the unreached segment of the leather sector. New technology
initiatives included chemo autotropic wet air oxidation method and
biomethanation.
Some of the major outputs of LTM were
Fallen Carcass Recovery Units
Low cost and viable fallen carcass
centers designed and developed by CLRI has been propagated. 25 centres
have been upgraded at various locations in the country (Fig 2).
Bankability has been established for processing capacity of 4 animals/day.
The technology has been referenced to the social context. A case
for propagation phase has been made.
Wide scale technology diffusion of cleaner production methods including
cleaner preservation, mechanical/manual desalting, enzyme assisted
dehairing, salt less pickling, chrome recovery/reuse and better
management of chromium in tannery clusters in Tamil Nadu/Uttar Pradesh/Punjab
has been possible.
Microprocessor controlled wet operations have been introduced in
Tanneries in UP, Haryana, TN, AP. Six CETP/ETP demonstration units
have been established for environmental sustainability.
More than 250 tanneries throughout the country have benefited. Benefits
accrued are reduction in BOD/COD by 35%, sulfide reduction by 50%,
20% reduction in hydraulic load, 25-30% reduction in TDS levels
in tannery waste water