Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) Initiative

The Government has highlighted the role of the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) Initiative in making India's export growth more inclusive by connecting local products and producers with international markets.

Key Facts

  • Objective: Utilise the unique strengths, resources and products of every district to enhance export potential and integrate local economies with global markets.
  • District as an Export Unit: Unlike traditional production-focused approaches, DEH treats each district as a unit of export planning, helping local enterprises improve competitiveness and access international markets.
  • Alignment with National Vision: Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, strengthening MSMEs and creating grassroots employment.
  • Coverage: As of January 2026, DEH covers more than 770 districts across India.

Evolution from ODOP

  • The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, implemented through DPIIT with support from Invest India.
  • Inspired by Japan's "One Village One Product" model; launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2018, starting with Moradabad's brassware.
  • As of 2025, ODOP covers 1,102 products across 761 districts (agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, food items).
  • The Department of Commerce, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), expanded ODOP into the DEH framework — shifting from product promotion to a broader export ecosystem development model.

Nature of the DEH Framework

  • Convergence-Based Approach: Not a separate funding scheme; uses existing central and state schemes to address district-specific export challenges.
  • Export Ecosystem Development: Focuses on manufacturing capacity, export readiness, logistics, quality standards and market access.
  • Grassroots Economic Development: Supports local industries, agricultural products, handicrafts and MSMEs for inclusive growth.

Institutional Architecture

  • Department of Commerce: Overall policy direction.
  • DGFT: Implementation, stakeholder coordination and monitoring.
  • State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs): Guide state-level implementation.
  • District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs): Identify export opportunities and coordinate with exporters. As of March 2026, draft District Export Action Plans (DEAPs) have been prepared for 590 districts, of which 249 have been formally adopted.
  • Focused Approach (from 1 June 2026): Outcome-oriented implementation covering districts across 27 States/UTs, supported by 24 DGFT Regional Authorities and 11 partner agencies.
  • Key Outcomes: New exporter registrations, expanded district export value, leveraging GI products, strengthening MSME clusters, and convergence of schemes.

Building District-Level Export Ecosystems

  • Identification of Export Potential Products: GI-tagged products, agricultural clusters, handicrafts, engineering goods, toy clusters.
  • Global Quality Standards: Capacity building on testing, packaging, branding and certification.
  • Digital Export Opportunities: E-commerce partnerships; Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras provide low-cost postal export facilities.
  • GRID Programme: DGFT–EXIM Bank partnership under Grassroots Initiatives for Development (GRID); six selected districts — Anantapur, Raipur, Solan, Tiruppur, Kanpur and Kolhapur.

Significance

  • Shifts India from a concentrated export model to a district-driven export ecosystem.
  • Crucial for achieving the ambition of US$1 trillion exports with inclusive, balanced growth.
  • Promotes employment, preserves traditional skills and cultural heritage, and integrates local economies with global value chains.