Bhadohi, India : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated the 49th International Carpet Fair and the 4th Carpet Expo in Bhadohi, emphasizing the state government’s support for carpet entrepreneurs and exporters. Addressing participants from India and abroad, the CM reassured them that the government stands by their side in all circumstances.
Commenting on U.S. tariffs, the CM said there is no need to panic, as every challenge brings new opportunities. “The United States has imposed tariffs, but this is just one country’s decision. We are moving swiftly toward free trade agreements with the UAE, UK, and other nations, which will open new markets for our industries,” he stated. A high-level committee has been formed to continuously monitor the tariff situation and guide the sector.
Highlighting Bhadohi’s growing global demand, the CM noted that 11 years ago, the carpet industry was on the brink of collapse. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the carpet clusters of Bhadohi, Mirzapur, and Varanasi were revitalized. Today, 300–400 foreign buyers from 88 countries attend the expo, showcasing the global demand for Bhadohi carpets. The state government has also promoted other MSME sectors under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, giving new recognition to Muradabad brass, Firozabad glass, and Varanasi silk.
CM Yogi emphasized that the carpet industry is not just business but a living tradition providing employment to 25–30 lakh people and generating exports worth around ₹17,000 crore annually. He highlighted that the sector has become a major source of women’s empowerment, with the government working to further involve women in home-based economic activities. He described Bhadohi as an economic powerhouse of the state and country, asserting that the industry has now become a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s identity.
During the event, CM Yogi engaged with carpet entrepreneurs and buyers. Ravi Pateria, a veteran of the industry, shared his achievement of creating the world’s largest carpet for Kazakhstan, urging for special recognition of this art. The CM assured that government committees would consider such suggestions in policy decisions. Other stakeholders discussed challenges like workforce shortage and migration, and the CM emphasized connecting the industry with local women and workers to achieve self-reliance.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated loans and grants for various beneficiaries under state schemes. Notable disbursements included:
- Amit Kumar – ₹2 crore under ODOP for carpet industry
- Shivam Jaiswal – ₹60 lakh under Chief Minister Youth Self-Employment Scheme
- Puneet Pratap Singh – ₹15 lakh for wallpaper industry
- Ramji Vishwakarma – ₹10 lakh for auto parts enterprise
- Development of other artisans and self-help groups through financial aid, toolkits, and demo checks
Additionally, 55-year veteran Ravi Pateria, whose company has been producing carpets for 145 years and is recognized by Guinness World Records for making the largest carpet in the world, was honored.
CM Yogi reiterated, “Our goal is not only to save the industry but to take it to new heights. When one country imposes tariffs, we will open markets in ten new countries. Challenges must be turned into opportunities, and the government is with you to ensure a bright future.”
The event was attended by MP Dr. Vinod Bind, MLAs Dinanath Bhaskar and Vipul Dubey, Zila Panchayat Chairman Aniruddh Tripathi, Development Commissioner for Handicrafts Amrit Raj, CPC Chairman Kuldeep, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Rajnikant, and various industry stakeholders.
