Inside India’s Leather Sector

MSME TALK® Brand Bite Episode Guest : : Nishant Sood , Managing Director – Candi Solar India Episode 66 : Own Solar or Buy Solar Power? Exploring CAPEX, OPEX , Rooftop, Open Access for SMEs with Candi Solar Candi Solar India: https://www.candi.solar/in For SMEs and industries, going solar is not just about clean energy—it is about reducing energy costs, improving cost predictability and strengthening long-term business competitiveness, while making the right decisions around capital, risk and the right solar solution.  In this episode of MSME TALK®, we speak with Nishant Sood, Managing Director – Candi Solar India, about the practical, financial and operational considerations for SME businesses evaluating solar power.  KEY TOPICS COVERED Solar for SMEs | Solar for Industries | Commercial & Industrial Solar | Solar for Manufacturing | Solar OPEX vs CAPEX | Open Access Solar | Solar PPAs | Solar for Leased Factories | Solar Project Performance | Solar System Sizing | Solar Financing | Credit & Payment Security | Solar Risk Management | Solar O&M | Choosing the Right Solar Model  Video Episode is also available on MSME TALK Youtube.   Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Guest : Ketan Gaikwad ,MD & CEO – RXIL TReDS  Episode 65 : TReDS in 2026: What's Changing for MSME Payments, Cash Flow & Working Capital? | MSME TALK®  Welcome back to MSME TALK® INDUSTRY INSIGHTS segment that brings expert perspectives on industries, markets, policies and emerging developments that impact MSMEs. The segment focuses on understanding the larger industry landscape, ground realities, opportunities and what businesses need to watch as the sector evolves. TReDS is entering a significant new phase in 2026, with major policy and regulatory developments that could change how MSMEs receive payments, manage working capital and access invoice financing.  In this episode of MSME TALK®, Tripti Sharma speaks with Ketan Gaekwad, CEO & MD of RXIL TReDS, one of India’s leading TReDS platforms, to understand what these changes mean for MSMEs — beyond the announcements and into the ground reality of execution.  KEY TOPICS COVERED • TReDS policy updates in 2026 • Impact of mandatory TReDS settlement on MSMEs • CPSE payments and payment discipline • GeM–TReDS integration and government procurement • TReDS receivables and the emerging secondary market • CGTMSE, insurance and financing risk • Expanding TReDS to MSME buyers • TReDS growth, scale and industry outlook • The ₹250 crore threshold and new companies • TReDS for the service industry • TReDS data, digital trail and credit • Invoice quality, security and fraud prevention • MSMEs, brokers and intermediaries • Export financing and GIFT City • AI, technology and the future of TReDS • RBI Vision 2028 • Factoring with recourse and TReDS2Window • Interoperability across TReDS platforms • What TReDS means for the future of MSME payments   Video Episode is also available on MSME TALK Youtube.  Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

This Industry Insights MSME DAY 2026 Special episode brings together voices from four high-impact sectors to discuss current trends, platform data, and policy impacts relevant for MSMEs and startups. Sectoral Insights & Trends for MSMEs | MSME Export Trends | SME Solar Adoption | Specialty Chemicals SME| Retail & Distribution MSME Segment  Featured Segments & Guests : • Pushkar Mukewar, Co-Founder & CEO, Drip Capital – MSME Export Trends: Sectors, Markets & Emerging Opportunities • Nishant Sood, India Head, Candi Solar – Solar Adoption Among SMEs: Trends, Challenges & Emerging Opportunities • Rajan Raje, CEO, NICHEM Solutions – Specialty Chemicals MSMEs: Trends, Opportunities & Growth Drivers • Pallavi Shrivastava, Co-Founder, Progcap – Retail & Distribution MSMEs: Trends, Challenges & Growth Opportunities  Host: Tripti Sharma – Founder of MSME TALK® & Executive Coach https://www.linkedin.com/in/tripti-sharma-/   About MSME TALK®: MSME TALK® is a unique platform that serves as a hub for knowledge, information, connections, and curated content. It bridges the gap between MSMEs, experts, and solution providers by offering data-driven insightful conversations that help businesses grow.  Stay Informed with MSME TALK® • Newsletter: https://msmetalk.com/subscription-alert/ • WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAPTDw7dmeS3LWrYD1t • WhatsApp Contact: https://wa.me/918097665085 • YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@msmetalkHey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Episode 63 : Journey from a Regional to India's Leading Snack Brands Contract Manufacturer | MSME TALK® .Guest :Ravi Somani ,Founder, Qoot Food Ltd. Welcome back to MSME TALK® . MSME INSIGHT segment brings MSME to share practical business lessons, industry trends, operating frameworks, and real-world experiences from MSME to MSMEs and startups.Join announcement WhatsApp group Why We Did This Episode Many MSMEs aspire to work with large FMCG brands but are often unclear about areas to focus on to upgrade themselves for this journey. Through this conversation, we aim to bring practical insights on certifications, audits, operational excellence, working capital management, customer relationships, and business decisions that helped transform a regional manufacturing business into a preferred partner for leading brands.  Key Topics Covered • Journey from regional manufacturing to supplying leading snack brands • How the shift towards contract manufacturing happened • Certifications, audits, and compliance requirements • What large FMCG brands look for in manufacturing partners • Transparency, traceability, consistency, and flexibility in operations • Working capital management in contract manufacturing • Improving profitability through specialization and focus • Managing dependency on large customers • Evaluating startup brands as manufacturing clients • Future opportunities for MSME contract manufacturers • Common misconceptions about working with large brands Video Episode is also available on Youtube.   Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Episode 62 India’s Leather & Footwear Boom? | Tamil Nadu, Exports, Vegan Leather & Future | MSME TALK®Welcome back to MSME TALK® Industry Bite. In this second part of MSME TALK®’s deep dive into the Indian leather industry, we explore how credit cycles, exports, FTAs, Tamil Nadu’s rise, global footwear brands, environmental concerns, vegan leather, and government policies are shaping the future of the sector.From Nike, Adidas & Crocs manufacturing in Tamil Nadu through Taiwanese partners, to the challenges faced by Kanpur and Indian MSMEs — this episode explains the opportunities and threats in one of India’s largest employment-generating industries.If you are an MSME owner, exporter, manufacturer, investor, policymaker, researcher, or someone interested in India’s manufacturing story — this episode gives you a practical overview of where the industry stands and where it may go next.🎧 Listen till the end for insights on the future of Indian footwear manufacturing.𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀00:00:00 Intro 00:00:41 Leather Industry Part 2 00:01:13 Credit Growth & MSMEs 00:02:48 India UK FTA Impact 00:03:32 FDI In Footwear 00:04:17 Tamil Nadu Footwear Boom 00:05:57 India Footwear Consumption 00:06:57 Leather Export Challenges 00:08:23 Government Policies 00:08:52 Leather Development Program 00:10:08 Tamil Nadu Policy 00:11:06 Bihar Leather Policy 00:11:55 UP Leather Policy 00:12:34 Future Industry Support 00:13:30 Leather Pollution Crisis 00:15:56 Sustainable Manufacturing 00:16:08 Vegan Leather Market 00:17:24 Industry Challenges 00:18:43 Future Of Indian Footwear 00:19:24 Final ThoughtsMSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Episode 61 MSME Vendor Opportunities with Large FMCG Companies – Part 2: Logistics, Warehousing, Transportation, Supply Chain Technology  Guest: Samrat Sehgal, Global Supply Chain Head , Dabur India    Welcome back to MSME TALK® with Industry Expert. Industry Expert segment brings Industry Expert who discusses on specific topic relevant for MSMEs, Startup to scale up and build long-lasting Businesses.  Join WhatsApp group  :https://chat.whatsapp.com/HBcTRj9pNFPIwgFzk3hGwv Why did we do this episode: We created this episode because we were receiving many queries from MSMEs on how to become vendors to large FMCG companies, and what it takes to get selected and scale. Key Topics Covered • MSME opportunities in FMCG supply chain: warehousing, logistics, transportation • How MSMEs can approach large FMCG companies as service partners • Warehousing requirements: compliance, safety, location, infrastructure • Logistics capabilities: regional strength, rural reach, service reliability • Common MSME mistakes: cost focus, low tech adoption, lack of training • Role of partnerships with 3PL and ecosystem players • Specialized opportunities: cold chain, mid-mile, reverse logistics • Transportation in FMCG: modes, scale, and operations • Vendor selection criteria: reliability, timely delivery, safety • Key challenges: inconsistency, breakdowns, pilferage, low visibility • Technology in transport: GPS tracking, maintenance, automation • Sustainability in logistics: EV transition and future readiness • Where MSMEs should invest: mid-mile, tech-enabled logistics • Supply chain technology opportunities for MSMEs and startups • Niche solutions vs large systems (ERP gaps) • AI in supply chain: current adoption and future scope For detail breakup of discussion, check the time stamps. Video Episode is also available on MSME TALK Youtube.   Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Welcome back to MSME TALK® Episode 60 MSME Sector Facts, Policy Trends and Budget 2026-27 📩 Get the detailed Report of Budget and govt scheme analysis.  Send “Budget Report” on WhatsApp: 8097665085Join WhatsApp group :https://chat.whatsapp.com/HBcTRj9pNFPIwgFzk3hGwv 00:00:00 – Is Budget 2026 Really MSME-Focused? 00:01:00 – How to Get the detailed Report on email 00:01:30 – 1.6 Crore New MSMEs… But Are They Growing? 00:02:11 – State-wise MSME Growth: Is India Unevenly Distributed? 00:03:35 – Why Are Small & Medium Enterprises Declining? 00:05:00 – Exports Rising — But What About Ground Reality? 00:05:44 – Public Procurement Surge: Are Women & SC/ST Benefiting? 00:07:42 – Scheme Performance: Progress or Under-Delivery? 00:09:31 – GECL: Allocated Again… But Why Zero Spending? 00:12:19 – Budget Allocation vs Actual Spending: The Big Gap 00:15:03 – Spending Mix Shift: Credit Guarantees vs Skill Push 00:16:00 – ₹10,000 Cr SME Fund: Structural Support or Symbolic? 00:17:02 – Can TReDS Finally Solve Delayed Payments? 00:21:00 – Why Textiles Got the Strongest Policy Attention 00:24:47 – Manufacturing Push: Who Gains the Most? 00:27:02 – Hidden Reforms Lowering Costs for Businesses 00:28:43 – Export Promotion Mission: A Real Structural Shift? 00:29:34 – RBI’s Collateral-Free Move: Relief for Micro Units? 00:30:29 – The Core Challenge: Why MSMEs Aren’t Scaling 00:31:00 – Final Verdict: Direction Clear, Execution the Real Test Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Episode 59 MSME Vendor Opportunities with Large FMCG Companies – Part 1   Guest: Samrat Sehgal, Global Supply Chain Head , Dabur India    Welcome back to MSME TALK® with Industry Expert. Industry Expert segment brings Industry Expert who discusses on specific topic relevant for MSMEs, Startup to scale up and build long-lasting Businesses.  Why did we do this episode: We created this episode because we were receiving many queries from MSMEs on how to become vendors to large FMCG companies, and what it takes to get selected and scale.  Key Topics Covered :-MSME vendor opportunities in large FMCG supply chains-How MSMEs should approach FMCG companies as vendors-Contract manufacturing: selection criteria + compliance non-negotiables-Vendor onboarding process: audit, trials, timelines-Common MSME mistakes and how to avoid them-Raw material suppliers: gate-openers vs deal-breakers-Quality checks: COA + in-house testing-Packaging opportunities for MSMEs-Innovation + eco-friendly niche packaging  For detail breakup of discussion, check the time stamps. Video Episode is also available on Youtube.  Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Episode 58 Inside India’s Leather Sector: Footwear Manufacturing, MSMEs, Clusters, Kanpur Decline, Challenges & Growth Potential | MSME TALK® Welcome back to MSME TALK® Industry Bite. In this episode, MSME TALK® explores one of India’s oldest and most labour-intensive sectors — the Leather & Footwear Industry — employing 4.2 million people and contributing significantly to exports and foreign exchange.Hosted by Swapnil, Economist & Researcher at MSME TALK®, this is Part 1 of a special 2-episode series that breaks down the scale, challenges, processes, clusters, and MSME realities of this massive sector.00:00:00 – Intro: India Leather & Footwear Industry 00:00:34 – Leather Sector Size & Key Facts 00:01:31 – India’s Global Rank & Growth Forecast 00:02:15 – Footwear Market: Organized vs Unorganized 00:03:24 – Role of MSMEs in Leather Industry 00:04:22 – Leather Tanning Process Explained 00:05:52 – Types of Tanning (Chrome, Veg, Eco-Friendly) 00:06:35 – MSME Challenges in Leather Manufacturing 00:06:57 – Footwear Manufacturing Process 00:08:06 – Leather Garments & Accessories Overview 00:08:38 – Production Trends: Pre & Post COVID 00:09:41 – Declining Global Leather Demand 00:10:00 – Kanpur Leather Industry Story 00:12:31 – Environmental Norms & Compliance Issues 00:13:08 – Key Leather & Footwear Clusters (TN, WB, UP) 00:13:45 – Tamil Nadu’s Rise in Leather Exports 00:14:38 – Industry Bodies & Associations 00:15:03 – Future Outlook: Growth & Sustainability 00:15:44 – Closing & What’s Next in Part 2MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify 

Episode 57 How CFOs Can Use TReDS Optimally | Insights from India’s TReDS CFO Guest: Kailash Varodia, CFO of RXIL TReDS  Welcome back to MSME TALK® with Industry Expert. Industry Expert segment brings Industry Expert who discusses on specific topic relevant for MSMEs, Startup to scale up and build long-lasting Businesses.  Why did we do this episode: In earlier episode 56, we spoke to CFOs of medium and large companies to understand their real experience of using TReDS and the benefits they’re seeing across cash flow, vendor relationships, and treasury efficiency. In today’s episode, we flip the perspective. We sit down with Kailash Varodia, CFO & COO of RXIL TReDS, one of India’s leading TReDS platforms to know how we will use TReDS as CFO of other enterprises.  𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭: Kailash Varodia is CFO and COO of Receivable Exchange of India (RXIL )TReDS. RXIL TReDs is one of the top leading RBI approved digital market place in India for invoice discounting MSME trade receivables in India. Know much more about RXIL – https://msmetalk.com/profile-receivables-exchange-of-india-limited/  Time Stamp 00:00:00        Intro: How CFOs Can Use TReDS00:03:29        Meet Kailash – CFO of RXIL TReDS 00:04:36        TReDS Journey: Insights from a CFO of TReDS company 00:06:03        How TReDS Impacts Cash Flow & Treasury 00:08:28        SME CFO Role Play: Why Use TReDS 00:12:00        Mid-Size CFO: TReDS Benefits & Efficiency 00:21:00        MNC CFO: TReDS in Global Treasury 00:27:44        PSU CFO: Vendor Payments, Compliance and TReDS 00:34:00        How Manufacturer, Pharma, FMCG, Services etc Use TReDS 00:39:00        Common TReDS Mistakes CFOs Make 00:40:27        Why CFOs Hesitate to Use TReDS 00:41:32        TReDS Beyond Compliance: ESG & Supplier Benefits 00:46:00        One Advice to CFOs on Using TReDS 00:48:01        Kailash’s Personal Side Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates.  We don’t spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter.  MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+  Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category.   WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : [email protected] to  All Social Media , Podcast  etc links at one place  Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify