Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) Initiative (Economy)
Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) Initiative (Economy)
Why In News:
The government is strengthening the Districts as Export Hubs initiative to identify district-level export potential and connect local products and services with national and global markets.
Districts as Export Hubs (DEH)
About the Initiative
Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) is a district-led export promotion initiative of the Department of Commerce, implemented through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
It aims to identify the export potential of each district and connect local products and services with national and international markets.
DEH builds on the One District One Product (ODOP) approach but has a broader focus covering products, services, logistics, quality standards, certification and market access.
As of January 2026, more than 770 districts were covered under the initiative.
MSMEs, artisans, farmers and local producers are important beneficiaries, particularly in districts with specialised agricultural, handicraft or manufacturing clusters.
Institutional Structure & Implementation
Department of Commerce: Provides the overall policy framework and direction for district-level export promotion.
State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs): Coordinate export-related activities and support between the State government and districts.
District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs): Identify district-specific export products/services, infrastructure requirements and regulatory bottlenecks.
District Export Action Plans (DEAPs): Serve as district-level roadmaps covering products with export potential, logistics, testing, certification, packaging and market linkages.
One District One Product (ODOP)
About: The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Origin: The initiative was first launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2018, with products such as Moradabad brassware serving as prominent examples of district-specific specialities.
Coverage: ODOP covers products across diverse sectors, including agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, textiles, traditional crafts and other locally distinctive products.
Objective: It seeks to convert local specialities into nationally and internationally recognised products by improving market access and supporting artisans, farmers, producers and small enterprises.