In Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, Javed and Jafar Ahmed, who previously struggled to develop their business, now manage an enterprise with an annual turnover of about one crore rupees. Both brothers claim that state support under the 'One District, One Product' (OPOD) program gave their venture a new direction.
The residents of the village Zaidpur, Javed and Jafar, have been engaged in weaving for almost 37 years; this craft has been passed down in their family for three generations. However, they admitted that despite hard work, their income was limited, and they faced financial difficulties.
In 2018, the brothers began transforming their traditional occupation into a large business thanks to the OPOD program. Initially, they were provided with a credit facility of approximately 18 lakh rupees. These funds allowed them to install eight Powerloom machines and employ about 20 weavers, as well as involve women's groups.
To expand their business, they visited major markets such as Delhi and Mumbai while based in Kanpur. Gradually, the demand for their products grew, and their items became recognizable in larger markets. Today, their business has reached an annual turnover of 1 crore rupees, supporting around 60 people. They attribute their success both to the OPOD program and their own hard work, expressing gratitude to PM Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The core of their production consists of shawls, scarves, and gamchas made of cotton. Their products are now exported not only domestically but also worldwide. Recently, they had the opportunity to participate in an exhibition at Pragya Dan, organized by the Textiles Department. There, citizens from countries such as Japan, Germany, and America highly appreciated their products and placed orders for which samples are currently being prepared.
According to Jafar, in 2021, their shawls were supplied to the American company Walmart. They received an order for about 20 thousand pieces worth 30 lakh rupees. He noted that he timely repaid the government loan received and is no longer dependent on it for business development. Jafar also reported that they are now receiving export orders, payment for which is received in advance.
For Jafar, it is a great honor that the shawl worn by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was made by weavers from Barabanki. Javed and Jafar stated that their focus is currently on the Japanese market. They mentioned that on August 21, a Japanese delegation visited Indira Gandhi Pratisthan in Lucknow and was very impressed with their shawls. Furthermore, through the initiative of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, they are being given the opportunity to visit Japan to study trade and production systems in that country and seek new market opportunities for their products.