Bhadohi is known worldwide for its high-quality carpets. Now, the traditional industry is expected to receive a new impetus thanks to state programs. Under the 'One District One Product' (OPOD) scheme, this industry receives support in three areas: capital, market, and craftsmanship.
According to government data, under the 'Marginal Means' program, over 347 beneficiaries were provided with subsidized loans totaling more than 1310 million rupees, including subsidies of over 120 million rupees. Additionally, 546 entrepreneurs received assistance amounting to 68.5 million rupees to showcase their products at international exhibitions. Training and other assistance are also provided for 2350 people to promote the carpet industry.
Carpets from Bhadohi are exported to over 88 countries, including the USA, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Middle Eastern countries. Approximately 13 thousand crore rupees worth of carpets are exported from India annually, with Bhadohi accounting for over 60% of this share.
To support this industry, it has been included in the OPOD program. Since 2018, financial aid, training, and other facilities have been provided to both new and established carpet manufacturers under this program.
Akshay Upadhyay, manager of the carpet weaving center, noted that he and other people are receiving employment thanks to this program. He emphasized that the OPOD program has even helped people from lower social strata. He reported receiving a loan of 50 million rupees and currently produces 2000 carpets monthly, employing over 100 people.
Amit Maurya, a carpet exporter, stated that he received a loan of 20 million rupees under the OPOD program, which also includes a subsidy. He specified that his business is represented globally, including in countries such as the USA and Europe, as well as Australia. According to him, the OPOD program has allowed him to expand his industry.
Another carpet exporter, Imtiaz Ahmed, also highly praised the OPOD program. He stated that thanks to the loan received, he supports the work of 10-20 workers. He added that 200-250 people in the Bhadohi district directly benefited from this program, and many have started their own startups with its help.
Carpet exporter Piyush Bernwal shared that this program has provided him with significant help. He explained that carpet making involves 21 processes, starting from threads to the finished product, and it takes 4 to 12 months to create one carpet. In such conditions, this program provides him with the necessary capital. He reported developing his enterprise with the help of marginal means amounting to 25 million rupees.
Deya Shankar Sarodj, Deputy Commissioner, explained that this program launched in 2018 and includes 3-4 different schemes. The first scheme provides training to people; they receive a stipend of 200 rupees per day for 10 days of training, totaling only 2000 rupees. The financing scheme also assists those who establish businesses through bank financing by providing a subsidy of up to 25%.
He also mentioned the provision of common service centers. If someone wishes to work in the cluster but lacks sufficient funds or requires government assistance, the government supports them in working in the cluster by providing a grant of up to 90%.