Meerut is an ancient city with prestigious mark in the Indian history. In 1857, the first revolt for the freedom of India was started from this city by Mangal Pandey, a well-known freedom fighter. In ancient India, Hastinapur known for the capital of Kauravs & Pandavas and Parichitgarh, the capital of King Parichit were both found in Meerut. The name of the city may have derived from Sanskrit word "Mayarashtra" (Sanskrit), the capital of the kingdom of Mayasura, Mandodari father and Ravana father-in-law. This name may have mutated to Mairashtra, Mai-dant-ka-khera, Mairaath and eventually Meerut . Meerut was originally located on one of the pillars erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE before it was moved to Delhi in the mid-14th century by Firuz Shah Tughluq. After the archaeological excavations at Vidura-ka-tila, a collection of several mounds named after Vidura, in 1950–52, a site 37 km (23 miles) north-east of Meerut, it was concluded to be remains of the ancient city of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas of Mahabharata, which was washed away by Ganges floods .

Meerut also contained a Harappan settlement known as Alamgirpur. It was also the easternmost settlement of the Indus valley civilisation. Meerut had been a centre of Buddhism in the period of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (r. 273 BC to 232 BC.), and remains of Buddhist structures were found near the Jama Masjid in the present-day city. The Ashoka Pillar, at Delhi ridge, next to the ‘Bara Hindu Rao Hospital’, near Delhi University, was carried to Delhi from Meerut, by Firuz Shah Tughluq (r. 1351–1388); it was later damaged in a 1713 explosion and restored in 1867. The British built a large cantonment (military installation) here in the early 19th century. In May 1857, that the initial uprising of the Indian Mutiny (1857–58) occurred when Indian troops employed by the British attacked and killed their British officers and then marched on Delhi. After India’s partition few families who were initially engaged in sports goods manufacturing had come from Pakistan. Govt had built a refugee camp in Victoria park in Meerut where these families settled their businesses and now it has become one of the major sports-good cluster in Meerut. Meerut is one of the most important industrial towns of western Uttar Pradesh due to its geographical location. It is located at the junction of several roads and rail lines. It is a trade centre for agricultural products and has a considerable amount of industry, including manufacturing, smelting, handicrafts, and the milling of sugar, cotton, flour, and oilseeds. It is traditionally known for handloom works, scissors, ornaments & jewellery. The gold market of Meerut is one of Asia’s largest gold markets. It employs over 25,000 skilled craftsmen and around 60 kilograms of the precious metal is processed here every day. Meerut was one of the first cities in northern India where publishing was set up during the 19th century. It was a major center for commercial publishing during the 1860s and 1870s. Meerut city is the administrative headquarters of Meerut division comprising six districts namely - Meerut, Bagpat, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Hapur. Meerut district administration is headed by the District Magistrate of Meerut. The District Magistrate is assisted by a Chief Development Officer (CDO), five Additional District Magistrates (ADM) (Executive, Finance/Revenue, City, Land Acquisition, Judicial), one City Magistrate (CM), and four Additional City Magistrates (ACM). The district is divided into 3 sub-divisions and 12 development blocks. Each sub-division headed by a Sub Divisional magistrate and Blocks are headed by Block Development Officer (BDO). The 12 development blocks are Jaani, Kharkhoda, Meerut, Rajpura, Rohta, Hastinapur, Machara, Mawana, Parikshitgarh, Daurala, Sardhana, and Saroorpur. Meerut is famous for sports goods manufacturing as well as manufacturing of scissors, glass & wooden beads, embroidery, artificial Jewellery & electrical transformers.

Meerut district is located between 77º. 00’ & 78º. 00’ longitude East and 28º. 54’ & 29º. 15’ latitude North. The district is bounded on the north by Muzaffarnagar district, on the South by Ghaziabad & Hapur districts and on the East by Bijnor & Amroha districts and on the West by Baghpat district.

Meerut district is a vast level plain. Ganga & Hindon Rivers draws the Eastern & Western boundaries of the district. Meerut is divided into 3 sub-divisions and 12 development blocks. No minerals are available in the district and total forest area in the district is 21,314 hectares. Agro Ecological Sub Region of Meerut is Northern Plain (And Central Highlands) Including Aravallis, Hot Semi-Arid Eco-Region and Agro-Climatic Zone (Planning Commission) is Upper Gangetic Plain Region (V).

As given in the following table, MSME industries across the sectors of food/agro-based industries, repair & servicing, other manufacturing, wood, metal, apparel, paper, electrical and other transport, chemical, leather and engineering are key economy drivers in the district.

Sports goods and Germs & Jewellery contribute most in terms of employment and revenue, which is approximately 28% and 5% respectively. Sports goods based industry in the district is the most prominent sector of the district contributing most to the economy by being the largest employer and being at the top in terms of investments as well. It is followed by Agro-based industry, germs & jewellery and Readymade Garments respectively.

The total export from Meerut is approximately INR 3012 Crore for the period September 2020 to November 2021. The following table depicts the value of export of major products from Meerut:
The total export from Meerut district during Sep 2020-Nov 2021 stands at 3,012 crore which includes export value of products i.e., sports goods, boneless meat of bovine animals, sugar, radial tyres, Para hydroxy dense salt, craft paper and paper board and others.

Sports Goods cluster of Meerut is spread across a radius of approximate 10 km. The cluster produces a large range of sports goods and about 60 percent of the total production is being exported to Australia, South Africa, England, America, West-Indies, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh etc., and the remaining products are sold in the domestic market. Improved infrastructure, facilities, and work environment in the sports city of Meerut have resulted into different sub-clusters specializing in the production of various sports goods as under. Key facts of the cluster is mentioned here.

Sports Goods cluster of Meerut is spread across a radius of approximate 10 km. The cluster produces a large range of sports goods and about 60 percent of the total production is being exported to Australia, South Africa, England, America, West-Indies, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh etc., and the remaining products are sold in the domestic market. Improved infrastructure, facilities, and work environment in the sports city of Meerut have resulted into different sub-clusters specializing in the production of various sports goods as under. Key facts of the cluster is mentioned here.

Sports goods and equipment is a general term for any object used for sport or exercise and based on its utility sports Goods is broadly classified into different categories which are listed below manufactured in the region:

The fame of unique handicrafts, aromatic agricultural products and natural goods from Uttar Pradesh has crossed borders, for 36 items have been GI tagged to the state, in a bid to preserve and promote their uniqueness. When marked on a map, the items on this list cover the length and breadth of UP in a manner that truly reflects its artistic legacy and agricultural ingenuity. Meerut district has one GI tagged product i.e Meerut Scissors. ;

Following are principal Industry Associations/SPVs that are working for the development of sports Goods in Meerut: MSME-Technology Development Centre It is a Government of India Non-profit Autonomous organization under Ministry of MSME, was established in the year 1986. The Management of affairs of the Centre is governed by its Governing Council constituted by Government of India. The Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner (MSME), Government of India is the Chairman of the Governing Council. The Centre is engaged in testing, inspection & consultancy of international standards to meet qualitative product/merchandise requirement of the industry and also has state of art facilities for both physical and chemical testing of various products such as Sports Footwear, Leather, Plastics, Rubbers, Packaging materials, Textiles, Safety footwear, and Sports Goods as per national & international methods such as IS, ISO, SATRA, AATCC, DIN etc.
Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai The Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University established by an Act of the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2004, is unique and the first of its kind in India as an affiliatory University, exclusively for Physical Education and Sports. The Department of Advanced Training and coaching are aimed at graduates aspiring to become coaches and trainers in various Sports disciplines. The courses will provide a clear understanding of the scientific techniques, strategies and specific knowledge in the chosen disciplines to the students. The rigorousness of such programmes will help the prospective coaches to sharpen and tone up the technical skills of the players under their control. The graduates can become trainers / Coaches in Schools, Colleges, Sports Academies and Centre of Excellence in Government / Private Sectors. We can tie up with them for the development of sports goods manufacturing machinery mechanisation. Chamber of Commerce & Ind UP The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of U. P., also known as "ASSOCHAMUP", is a State level, premier Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry, representing large, medium and small units in private, co-operative and public sectors. It was established in the year 1994 with a view to create an environment in which the trade and industry could grow and prosper, besides ensuring welfare of the member – units. Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC), a Government of India sponsored organization is working for the promotion of India’s exports of sports goods and toys. Founded in 1958, SGEPC represents all the leading manufacturers and exporters of sports goods and toys in India. Sports Goods Manufacturers and exporters association (SGMEA) The Sports Goods Manufacturers and exporters association, popularly known as SGMEA, established in 1973 as a Non-Profit Organization is a duly registered Association to represent the leading manufacturers and exporters of Sports Goods. SGMEA, governed by an elected Chairman & nominated executive body, contribute to about 70% of India’s exports and over 50% of domestic market. Major Dhyan Chand Sports University, Meerut: - Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh on January 2, 2022. The sports university will offer bachelor’s degrees in several sports, master’s degrees, MPhil as well as PhD. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art sports infrastructure that includes hockey, football, basketball grounds, volleyball, handball and kabaddi, lawn tennis court, gymnasium hall, swimming pool, a synthetic running stadium, and swimming pool. The university is being established in the Salawa and Kaili villages of Sardhana town in Meerut. It has built at an estimated cost of about Rs 700 crore. Further, it will have the capacity to train 1,080 sportspersons including 540 female and 540 male sportspersons.

HS codes under which the product is exported from the district:

HS codes under which the product is exported from the district:The export scenario of India and Uttar Pradesh have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS code (950699) mentioned above under which sports goods products are exported. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product codes. ;

► The annual exports of sports Goods products from Meerut district were approx. INR 775 Cr. in year 2020-21.
► There are more than 40 HSN Codes that are utilised by exporters of Sports Goods products. The analysis of one prominent HSN code has been shown in this section.
► The cluster has tremendous export potential, but owing to lack of proper market assessment mechanism, changing design patterns, specific demand preferences the export is very less.
► Hence, it was pointed out that the proper study of the foreign market, region specific demand patterns are to be ascertained. Along with that, a common platform is to be created where there can be an integration between the exporters and importers, thereby making the export ecosystem robust and effective.

Product Diversification is one of the most crucial product uplifting strategies which in turn is an important part of a product’s export. This plays a vital role in any products exports as it is a product uplifting strategy. Most of the small and micro manufacturers are not bothered about changing their product range and they fail to understand that it is an integral part of comprehensive marketing. Diversification can be brought in the cluster by:
1. Development of new products: During the product diversification new product line like low wait sports goods like bat,wicket for indore games, change in woods used for local sports equipments, etc. need to be promoted. 2. Modifications of Existing Products It has also been found that most of the artisans use no strategy for making modifications to the existing products in the light of design and fusion. The artisans can make fusion products by blending of different materials with plastic sports goods equipment. They can also expand in terms of the materials they use for making the products by introducing low-cost wood into their product range.

Meerut district is well known for its processed meat cluster. The export of processed meat from district holds a prominent place in the Indian economy. There are two APEDA registered integrated abattoirs cum meat processing plants in the district employing around 5,000 workers

Meerut district is well known for its processed meat cluster. The export of processed meat from district holds a prominent place in the Indian economy. There are two APEDA registered integrated abattoirs cum meat processing plants in the district employing around 5,000 workers. The two slaughterhouses in Meerut’s area deal in chilled boneless buffalo meat, chilled boneless buffalo offals, frozen boneless buffalo meat, frozen boneless buffalo offals which is primarily exported to Gulf countries. M/s. AL Saqib Exports Pvt. ltd. and M/s. Tanya Marketing Private limited these are two units which is registered from APEDA & contribute for major export of processed meat from the district. The cluster’s annual turnover in 2020-21 was around INR 600 Cr and the export value was 450 Cr.

1. Boneless Meat of Bovine Animals 2. Other Edible Offal of Bovine Animals

► Chilled Boneless Buffalo Meat
► Chilled Boneless Buffalo Offal
► Frozen Boneless Buffalo Meat
► Frozen Boneless Buffalo Offal ;

Raw material supplier The primary raw material suppliers are farmers who supply the disease-free animals to the slaughterhouse. Unit owners & Workers There are 2 slaughterhouses involved in processing and export of meat. More than 5,000 workers are working in these units and are residing in Meerut, Ghaziabad, GB Nagar, Hapur and nearby areas of Meerut. Machinery Supplier Most of the units are having modern abattoir cum meat processing plant with most of segments are fully automated.

Following are principal industry associations that are working for the development of processed meat industry:
► National Food Laboratory (Food Research and Standardization Laboratory (FRSL)), Ahinsa Khand-II, Indirapuram Ghaziabad - FSSAI Notified Referral Laboratory under section 43 (2) of FSS Act, 2006. ;

► Association of Meat Scientists and Technologists: With the headquarters at the Department of Meat Science and Technology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai - 600 007 has been established with the Objectives: • To protect the professional needs; maintain the honour and interests of professionals of the meat industry. • To conduct the training programmes, workshops, seminars and conferences to suitably train personnel to resolve problems faced by the industry. • To promote the interests of the industry by liaising with line departments of the government, and trade bodies.
► MSME-Development Institute (MSME-DI), Okhla: MSME-DIs are the subordinate offices of Development Commissioner, MSME. These offices are responsible for assisting MSMEs financially through schemes and improving their technical skills through skill upgradation / training programmes.
► Indian Industries Association, Ghaziabad (IIA)
► All India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association

HS codes under which the product is exported from the district

HS codes under which the product is exported from the district;
Current Scenario The export scenario of World and India have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS codes 020230 under which meat is exported. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product code.

► The total exports of boneless meat from the district as per HS code 020230 is around INR 481 crores from September 2020 to November 2021.
► India's exports represent 11.2% of world exports for this product, its ranking in world exports is 3 under HS code 020230 and 4 . Product 020230: Uttar Pradesh exported this product to Hongkong, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, UAE etc. Below figure shows the top importers for this product from India area: