Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath turned the spotlight on resilience and reinvention for the state's beleaguered carpet industry on Saturday, October 11, 2025, during the inauguration of the 49th International Kaleen Mela and 4th Carpet Expo in Bhadohi. With US tariffs looming as a fresh hurdle for exporters, Adityanath assured full government backing, framing the challenge as a springboard to untapped global opportunities. "Tariffs from one country? We'll unlock doors to 10 more—this is Atmanirbhar Bharat in action," he declared, announcing a high-level committee to safeguard and supercharge the sector.

Bhadohi, the heartbeat of India's hand-knotted carpet legacy, has roared back from near-collapse a decade ago. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stewardship, clusters in Bhadohi, Mirzapur, and Varanasi were revived, birthing the Carpet Expo Mart as a buzzing global hub. What started with a trickle of foreign buyers has swelled to 300-400 from 88 nations this year, a testament to surging international appetite for these artisanal masterpieces. Adityanath beamed about the expo's evolution: "From whispers of extinction to echoes of excellence—Bhadohi now defines UP's economic muscle."

The CM spotlighted the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and MSME initiatives as game-changers, spotlighting Bhadohi carpets alongside Moradabad brass, Firozabad glass, and Varanasi silk. Launched in 2017 amid skepticism, ODOP has catapulted UP's exports past Rs 2 lakh crore—a feat once deemed impossible. The carpet trade, far from a mere business, sustains 25-30 lakh livelihoods and rakes in Rs 17,000 crore annually. Adityanath hailed its role in women's empowerment, pushing for more home-based weaving to foster financial freedom. "This isn't just thread and loom—it's tradition alive, employing millions and weaving women's futures," he said.

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Interacting with traders, Adityanath fielded concerns with action. Entrepreneur Ravi Pateria touted the industry's feats, like crafting the world's largest carpet for Kazakhstan, prompting the CM to pledge a policy committee for exporter inputs. Haji Hamid thanked Yogi for the sector's revival, while Anil Singh pushed for Mirzapur-Vindhya corridor growth, earning nods for integrated development across Bhadohi-Varanasi-Mirzapur. Exporter Alok Barnwal flagged weaver shortages and migration; Adityanath countered with plans to loop in local women and workers for self-reliant supply chains.

As Diwali nears, the CM plugged swadeshi fairs in all 75 districts, featuring prime Bhadohi stalls to boost 'Make in India' vibes. Wrapping up, he disbursed loans to scheme beneficiaries, cementing government commitment. With free trade pacts brewing with UAE, UK, and beyond, Adityanath's message rang clear: Challenges are catalysts. For Bhadohi's weavers—guardians of a craft that's outlasted empires—this expo isn't just an event; it's a launchpad to lace the world in Indian hues. Will UP's carpets conquer new frontiers? The looms are already humming.

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