He also said the government is considering forming a committee to incorporate entrepreneurs’ suggestions into policy decisions.

“The US has imposed tariffs, but that is just one country’s decision. We are moving rapidly toward free trade agreements with the UAE, UK, and other nations, which will open new avenues for our industries,” Adityanath said.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the carpet industry is not merely trade but a living tradition of artisans and craftsmen. Today, it provides employment to 25-30 lakh people and generates around Rs 17,000 crore in annual exports, he said.

The sector has also emerged as a major avenue for women’s empowerment, with the government encouraging more women to participate and gain economic independence while working from home.

The CM noted that 11 years ago, the carpet industry was on the verge of collapse. But the carpet clusters of Bhadohi, Mirzapur, and Varanasi were revitalised with a Carpet Expo Mart established in Bhadohi as its hub.

While the first expo saw very few foreign buyers, he said 300-400 buyers from 88 countries now attend the expo, reflecting the growing global demand for Bhadohi carpets.

He added that the UP government has promoted specific industries in each district under the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) and One District One Product (ODOP) schemes, giving new recognition to Bhadohi carpets, Moradabad brass, Firozabad glass, and Varanasi silk.

He emphasised that when the ODOP initiative began in 2017, no one imagined that UP would achieve exports exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore, but today this milestone has been realised.

“Do not underestimate Bhadohi; it is a symbol of the state and the country’s economic strength. Before 2014, this industry was nearly dying, but today it has become UP’s identity,” the CM said.

He also noted that during Diwali, Swadeshi fairs are being organised across all 75 districts, featuring special stalls for Bhadohi carpets.

Entrepreneur Ravi Pateria said, “The carpet industry is magic created with hands. We have made the world’s largest carpet and sent it to Kazakhstan. This art deserves special recognition.”
Adarsh Purnima, who has been associated with the industry for four decades, said, “Success is certain when spirituality and politics come together.”

While exporter Alok Barnwal raised concerns about that shortage of weavers and labour migration, the CM assured, “We are linking the industry with women and local workers to promote self-reliance.”

“Our goal is not just to save the industry but to take it to new heights. When one country imposes tariffs, we will open pathways to 10 new countries. This is the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. We should not fear challenges but turn them into opportunities,” he added.

The CM also distributed loans up to Rs 2 crore to beneficiaries of various schemes.-Agencies