The Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative has expanded export planning to the district level across India. It aims to identify local products and services with export potential, remove bottlenecks, and help districts connect with overseas markets. The initiative supports MSMEs, farmers, artisans and small industries by creating a decentralised export ecosystem.
Institutional Framework
State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs) and District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) have been constituted in all 36 States and Union Territories. These bodies are intended to coordinate export promotion, identify constraints, and support district-level export strategies. The framework gives districts a formal role in export planning.
District Export Action Plans
Draft District Export Action Plans (DEAPs) have been prepared for 590 districts. Of these, 249 have been formally notified by the respective DEPCs. The plans identify products and services with export potential, including GI products, agricultural clusters and toy clusters. This creates a focused roadmap for district-specific export growth.
Examples of Identified Products
- Sabarkantha in Gujarat – ceramic and tiles, potato.
- Aravalli in Gujarat – minerals, agro-processing, glass and tiles.
- Jalgaon in Maharashtra – Jalgaon banana, Jalgaon Bharit brinjal.
- Madhya Pradesh – onions and pharma in Indore, oranges in Agar Malwa.
- Chhattisgarh – rice, maize and mango in Raipur, Bastar iron craft in Bastar.
- Jharkhand – bamboo craft, forest produce and vegetables.
Digital Platforms and Outreach
Export-related data is made publicly available through the portals niryat.gov.in and dgciskol.gov.in. Outreach events are also being organised across regions to build awareness and address exporters’ concerns. The initiative seeks to create new exporters, identify new markets, and strengthen district-level commitment to exports.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026