In this era of rapid technological developments, footwear making is is not just an art or craft but is a specialized technological field. The Central Footwear Training Institute with the state-of-the-art facility at Agra grooms out skilled professionals who can meet the challenges of Footwear Industry in the coming millennium.

In the recent years the Footwear Industry has transformed from unorganized sector to the professionally organized sector. Liberalization and globalization has given the multi-required impetus and fuelled the exponential growth of this sector. Along with the emergence of the vast opportunity, there are new challenges facing the Footwear Industry. The Govt. of India, for the development of the Footwear Industry in the country, established "Central Footwear Training Institute" at Agra way back in 1963, under Small Industries Development Organization, Ministry of Industry with financial assistance from Ford foundation. The centre became an autonomous body in 1996 and was renamed as "Central Footwear Training Institute" (CFTI),A Govt. of India Society.

The Institute has a well-developed infrastructure and is equipped with the most modern computer lab. Financial assistance from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under National Leather Development Program has equipped the workshop with the latest imported machinery for footwear production and is well equipped with machines for physical testing of leather and footwear. High quality human resource is the greatest asset of the Institute. The CFTI faculty members are from the finest Institutes of technology in the Country and have been trained abroad in advanced methods of footwear production. The association of qualified professionals as faculty is another attractive feature. The benefits of the rich educational background are coupled with exceptionally diverse experience of the people. The Institute also avails expertise from the UNIDO experts for the introduction and implementation of modern technology.

The committed and enthusiastic footwear technologist groomed at CFTI are holding most of the senior positions in the footwear industry. It is indeed a great pleasure for me to present before you this opportunity which will open a new window for the aspiring footwear technologist of this fast growing world.

Wish You a Happy Learning !

with all good wishes,
Director

CFTI, AGRA