Uttar Pradesh emerged as the fifth largest exporter of goods and services during the pandemic and goods like rice, medicines, carpets, silk, fertilisers, sugar, toys, fish and software were exported abroad.
The state government under its ‘Ease of doing business’ policy offered huge concessions to the exporters so that all products could be easily shipped abroad.
As per latest data released by the Union government, UP outpaced many states, including Telangana, Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal, in terms of exports during the pandemic.
Between April and November 2020, goods (including milk, flour, sugar, artificial flowers, rice, silk etc.) worth Rs 72,508 crore were exported from UP. Similarly, from April to November 2020, export of flour, bakery and milk doubled.
Between April and November 2020, food grains worth Rs 1,054.20 crore were exported from Uttar Pradesh.
According to export-oriented traders, black rice from Chandauli was in huge demand in foreign countries. Nepal, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries have placed large orders for ODOP products from UP.
The state’s exports have been steadily spiking since the formation of the Yogi government. In 2017-18, goods worth Rs 88,967 crore were exported from the state.
Products worth Rs 1,14,042 crore crore and Rs 83,999 crore were exported in 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. UP has now started working towards developing the ‘Make in UP’ brand. For this, preparations are underway to develop each district as an export hub.