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Informist, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – India is working towards strengthening its exports of goods and services under a scheme to promote districts as export hubs, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said Wednesday. The country is trying to build upon the "One District, One Product" and "moving into services", Goyal said at the BRICS Women's Business Alliance Women-led Development Summit 2026.

 

Under that initiative, the government has identified 780 districts having one, two, or three products that can be shipped to global markets. The government is now trying to do the same in the services sector, according to the minister. Citing an example, Goyal said, "In Uttar Pradesh, the government has started identifying cuisines that bring a change of taste every 30 miles. This can become a huge business across the world... These products, services, and cuisines identified in different districts are being promoted by the state, local administration. From there we are trying to develop global market... We are trying to make the district an export hub."

 

With the help of the initiative, India has been exporting four tonnes of fruits, flowers, and vegetables annually from Varanasi for the past five years. "We exported 1,000 tonnes last year...Thanks to this initiative," Goyal said, adding he expects exports to rise up to 100,000 tonnes amid rising demand. The initiative holds "huge potential" and can help more women entrepreneurs become exporters of their produce and packaged goods, especially to Indian buyers settled abroad, he said.

 

The "One District, One Product" initiative, launched in 2018, aims to support local artisans, revive traditional skills, and create livelihoods. These products are being showcased to wider markets with the help of government e-marketplace ODOP Bazaar, empowering artisans and expanding market access.  End

 

Reported by Shweta

Edited by Shubhayan Bhattacharya

 

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