In The Historical past, the socially weaker section of the society carried our flaying, tanning and curing of raw hides and skins and leather making activities were mainly confined to especial communities in rural India. The growth of the leather industry has impacted rural development and Socio-Economic growth through contribution to employment generation and enterpreneuringship. The Leather Industry was originally a household industry and traditional techniques were adopted in this sector during Pre-Independence period for processing and fabricating leather products.

 Prior to Independence raw hides and skins procured mainly from the fallen animals and these hides were principal stock for tanneries in village, the good hides and skins procured from slaughter house and other like sources were exported. A Traditional raw hides trader, in the course of time, became tanner and tanning skills were passed on from generation to generation. Over a period of time, Industrial type of production system emerged and lot of changes, particularly specialization in flaying, curing, tanning and manufacturing of leather products emerged.

Leather is used in a wide range of products from children's shoes, where it is most important for foot health to oil seals in aircraft. Leather makes a contribution to the quality of everyday life and has done so for centuries. Virtually everyone wears or users one or more leather products on a regular basis.

The primary sources of raw material for the tanning industry are hides and skins from animals that have been accepted as fit for processing for human consumption at approved slaughterhouses, where the handling and treatment of cattle fully meets the appropriate animal welfare and hygiene requirements.