India’s Districts as Export Hubs initiative is expanding a district-led export model that connects local products, MSMEs and services with international markets, with more than 770 districts covered as of January 2026.

 India is pushing to make districts the building blocks of its next phase of export growth through the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, a framework designed to identify products and services with global potential and connect local producers with international markets.

The initiative is built around the idea that India's export growth should extend beyond established industrial centres and port cities. By focusing on district-level strengths, the government aims to create more opportunities for MSMEs, local businesses and producers, while supporting employment and broader regional economic development.

The approach builds on the One District One Product (ODOP) concept but goes beyond product identification and promotion. Under DEH, districts are treated not merely as production units but as units of export planning, with local authorities, state governments, industry and central institutions working together.

India’s export growth creates room for district-led expansion

India’s combined exports of goods and services reached $825.25 billion in 2024-25, according to the government document, and are estimated to rise to $863.11 billion in 2025-26. The government says the next challenge is to sustain this momentum through a more inclusive approach to export development.

For decades, export activity was concentrated in established industrial clusters and port cities. The DEH framework seeks to bring products from smaller cities, rural districts and remote regions into the export ecosystem.

Examples cited by the government include Bastar iron craft, Jalgaon bananas and Meghalaya oranges, highlighting the range of agricultural, handicraft and other products that could serve international markets.

More than 770 districts covered

The DEH initiative had expanded to cover more than 770 districts across India by January 2026, according to the government.

The framework is not structured as a standalone funding scheme. Instead, it works as a coordination mechanism, bringing together resources available under existing central and state government programmes to address district-specific export challenges.

At the institutional level, the Department of Commerce provides overall policy direction, while the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) handles implementation, stakeholder coordination and monitoring.

State Export Promotion Committees guide implementation at the state level, while District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) identify export opportunities, address local bottlenecks and coordinate with exporters, industry and other stakeholders.

590 district export plans drafted

One of the key components of the initiative is the preparation of District Export Action Plans (DEAPs).

These plans map products and services with export potential, assess infrastructure and logistics, identify barriers to international trade and recommend measures to improve competitiveness and market access.

By March 2026, draft DEAPs had been prepared for 590 districts, while 249 had been formally adopted by the respective District Export Promotion Committees.

From local products to global standards

Identifying a product is only the first step in becoming an exporter. The DEH framework also focuses on quality standards, testing facilities, packaging, branding and certification so that local products can meet international requirements.

The government has identified several categories with export potential, including GI-tagged products, agricultural clusters, toy clusters and engineering goods.

Examples include ceramics and tiles from Sabarkantha, minerals and agro-processing products from Aravalli, Jalgaon bananas and Bharit brinjal from Maharashtra, oranges from Agar Malwa and Bastar iron craft, rice, jowar and maize from Chhattisgarh.

Digital platforms widen access for MSMEs

The initiative also seeks to use digital commerce to help smaller businesses reach overseas buyers.

The government says DEH partnerships with platforms such as Amazon, Shiprocket and DHL can provide MSMEs with more affordable courier and shipping options. Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras further support small exporters with documentation, packaging and lower-cost postal export facilities.

Capacity-building programmes conducted by DGFT regional authorities and district administrations cover areas such as logistics planning, export procedures, packaging and regulatory compliance.

The programmes involve ecosystem partners including ECGC, EPCH, FIEO, the Ministry of MSME, India Post and EXIM Bank.

EXIM Bank partnership targets six districts

The government has also partnered with EXIM Bank to strengthen export ecosystems in selected districts through its Grassroots Initiatives for Development (GRID) programme.

Six districts—Anantapur, Raipur, Solan, Tiruppur, Kanpur and Kolhapur—have been selected for support under the initiative. The programme aims to identify district-specific constraints, potential beneficiaries and interventions that can improve export competitiveness.

Focus shifts to measurable export outcomes

From June 1, 2026, the government adopted a more focused and phased approach to implementing the DEH initiative.

The first phase involves districts across 27 states and Union Territories, supported by 24 DGFT regional authorities and 11 partner agencies. The emphasis is on measurable outcomes, including registering new exporters, coordinating existing government schemes and increasing export value through GI products and MSME clusters.

The broader objective is to turn district-level production strengths into sustained export opportunities.

As India moves towards its stated $1 trillion export target, the government is positioning stronger coordination among the Centre, states and districts as an important part of the strategy. The intended outcome is not only higher exports but also greater trade, investment and employment opportunities across local economies.

Yogi Adityanath Warns Against Namaz on Roads Ahead of Bakrid

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued a firm warning against offering namaz on roads, asserting that the state government would not permit any disruption to public movement as Bakrid approaches. Speaking at a media house event in the state capital, the Chief Minister made it clear that while prayers would not be stopped, they must remain confined to designated spaces.

Strict Stance on Public Spaces

Yogi Adityanath emphasised that roads are meant for traffic and common citizens, not for religious gatherings. “Namaz will not be allowed on roads. If people agree peacefully, fine; otherwise, stricter measures will be taken,” he said. He added that prayers should be offered at mosques, Eidgahs, or other designated places, and larger congregations could be managed in shifts if necessary. 

The remarks come nearly a week before Bakrid, when large numbers typically gather for Eid prayers. Officials have been directed to ensure compliance with existing orders that ban namaz on thoroughfares.

Law Applies Equally to All

The Chief Minister stressed that the law remains the same for everyone in Uttar Pradesh. “People ask me whether namaz happens on roads in UP? I say, absolutely not. Roads are for common people to walk on. No one has the right to come and disturb traffic,” he stated. 

He referred to a previous incident in Bareilly in September 2025, where tensions arose over a protest following namaz, leading to stone-pelting and subsequent police action. “People tried their hand in Bareilly, and they also saw the strength of the government,” Yogi Adityanath noted, underscoring that no one would be allowed to block roads or create disorder.

2022-23 Ban on Roadside Namaz

The Yogi government had already imposed a complete ban on offering namaz on roads in 2022-2023. Instructions were issued to restrict religious events, including those on Eid and Alvida Jumma, to proper religious venues. Local administrations have since been enforcing these guidelines to prevent traffic snarls and maintain public order.

Highlighting State’s Transformation

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also spoke about the broader changes in Uttar Pradesh. He recalled how the state was once associated with violence and instability but is now manufacturing BrahMos missiles. “If the atmosphere is negative, ‘One District-One Mafia’ emerges. If it is positive, ‘One District-One Product’ is created,” he observed. 

Yogi Adityanath pointed to rising investments, increasing employment, and the state’s progress towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy. He also highlighted improvements in women’s safety, noting that women now work night shifts and return home without fear. “No one can harass daughters now,” he said. The state has remained revenue surplus for six years and is no longer considered a BIMARU state, he added.

Balanced Development Across Districts

The government, according to the Chief Minister, is focusing on equitable growth across all 75 districts, leveraging agriculture, infrastructure, and the power of the youth. He reiterated that Uttar Pradesh no longer needs to depend on external support and has immense internal potential.

During recent election campaigns in West Bengal, Yogi Adityanath had criticised alleged appeasement politics there, contrasting it with the situation in Uttar Pradesh where roads are kept clear for traffic and festivals proceed peacefully without curfews or riots.

Public Order Before Festival

As preparations for Bakrid gain pace, the administration is expected to step up vigil to ensure prayers do not spill onto roads. Local police and district officials have been asked to coordinate with community leaders for smooth conduct of religious events within permitted limits. 

Authorities say the focus remains on maintaining law and order while respecting religious sentiments. The message from the top appears clear: religious freedom is protected, but public spaces cannot be allowed to turn into arenas of chaos.

The Chief Minister’s remarks are likely to set the tone for administrative preparedness in the coming days across the state.