GI spotlight on saddleries of Kanpur, Kannauj perfumes

KANPUR: Among the most famous small industries from this part of UP are Kanpur saddleries and Kannauj perfumes. To its fame, Kanpur is the only centre in the country, and even in Asia, producing harnesses and saddlery products. Saddlery goods are made in only a few countries like the US, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Argentina and Taiwan.
Harness and saddlery goods or 'Horse riding and driving equipments' have been manufactured under the small industries umbrella in Kanpur since more than 100 years, obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag only in 2014.
"It was initially started in the 19th century by the British India Corporation (BIC) in the 'Harness Factory' presently known as the 'Ordnance Equipment Factory' at Kanpur, to cater to the needs of the British Army and Police," said Taj Alam, Convener Harness and Saddlery Panel, Council for Leather Exports, and who had been regularly participating in SPOGA, one of the important and oldest International Trade Fair for Equestrian Sports, in Germany. Similarly, Kannauj, traditionally referred to as the Grasse of the East or Perfume capital of the World, has been a thriving centre for natural fragrances. In a major boost for the famous perfume industry of Kannauj, which obtained GI tag in 2014, the state government is working to set up an international perfume museum and park at Kannauj.
The project would provide a world-class platform to the 'attar' (perfume) manufacturers to showcase their age-old skills and to upgrade their skills according to the changing times. Once the project is completed it would rejuvenate Kannauj's old glory of Kannauj as a fragrance hub, besides boosting the export of locally made perfumes.