The Lalitpur District is one of the districts of Uttar Pradesh state of India. Lalitpur district is a part of Jhansi Division. Lalitpur is the main town and administrative headquarters. Lalitpur finally carved out as a district in the year 1974 which is not only the heartland but also heart-shaped district of Bundelkhand Region.

This district has a number of historical and cultural places like Devgarh, Seeronji, Pavagiri, Devamata, Neelkantheshwar at Pali, Chawan near Bant (Pali), Machkund ki Gufa.Lalitpur District was formerly part of the state of Chanderi, founded in the 17th century by a Bundela Rajput who was descended from Rudra Pratap of Orchha. Chanderi, along with most of Bundelkhand, came under Maratha hegemony in the 18th century. Daulat Rao Sindhia of neighbouring Gwalior annexed Chanderi state in 1811. In 1844, the former state of Chanderi was ceded to the British, and became the Chanderi District of British India, with Lalitpur town as the district headquarters. The British lost the district in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and it was not reconquered until late 1858. In 1861, the portion of the district west of the Betwa, including Chanderi, was returned to Gwalior, and the remainder was renamed Lalitpur District. Lalitpur District was made part of Jhansi District from 1891 to 1974.

The Lalitpur district is lying between 78.41’ longitude East and 24.69’ latitude North. It covers an area of 5000 sq.km. It is joined to Jhansi District of Uttar Pradesh by a narrow corridor to the northeast but is otherwise almost surrounded by Madhya Pradesh state; to the east lies Tikamgarh District, to the south Sagar District, and to the west Ashok nagar and Shivpuri districts. It is well connected by Railways & Roadways.

Lalitpur district is generally a rocky area which has the highest ground in the extreme south with scraps of the Vindhyan plateau, running from the Betwa in south-easterly direction and gradually breaking up into a confined mass of hills, parts of which approach a height of 650 m above mean sea level. The north of the scrap, undulating plain of black soil interrupted with scattered hills and scoured by numerous drainage channels, stretches north beyond the town of Lalitpur and gradually becomes rocky. Low red hills of granitoid rock then appear with long ridges running from south- west to north- west. A major part of the district is drained by river Jamni and its tributaries which form the eastern boundary that separates it from Tikamgarh district. River Betwa forms the western and northern boundary and drains the western part of the district while the south-eastern part of the district is partly drained by Dhasan River and the slope lies towards the north.

As given in the following table, MSME industries across the sectors of food/agro-based industries, manufacturing of Textiles, repair & servicing, other manufacturing, wood, metal, apparel are key economy drivers in the district. Three (3) types of industries namely, manufacture of food products, Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities and manufacturing of Textiles contribute most cumulatively 45.82% in terms of employment and revenue, which is approximately 19.60%, 14.09% and 12.13% respectively. Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products, Manufacture of wearing apparel, cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles & other manufacturing contributes ~25.7% to the numbers of units. . . .Table 1: Industries details . . Manufacture of textiles, Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities and manufacturing of food 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, Chemicals and Readymade Garments respectively. . . . According to 2011 census , out of total population of 1,221,592 (Male - 641,011 & Female - 580,581), 5, 03,351 are main working population. Out of total working population, 29.10% are the marginal workers, 53.20% are cultivators and 26.10% are the agricultural labourers. This indicates that agriculture is the main source of income in the district. According to 2011 census , out of total population of 1,221,592 (Male - 641,011 & Female - 580,581), 5, 03,351 are main working population. Out of total working population, 29.10% are the marginal workers, 53.20% are cultivators and 26.10% are the agricultural labourers. This indicates that agriculture is the main source of income in the district. . . .

The total export from Lalitpur is approximately INR 239.77 Crore within 15 months i.e., for the period September 2020 to November 2021. The following table depicts the value of export of major products from Lalitpur Below is the current status of export of products selected by UPEPB, GoUP and DGFT– central government.

Zari silk saree has been identified as ODOP product for the Lalitpur district.

Zari silk saree has been identified as ODOP product for the Lalitpur district. There are approx. ~250 handlooms and approx. ~400 handloom weavers (~60% pit handlooms & 40% frame handlooms) in the district engaged in the manufacturing of zari silk sarees. In addition to that, weavers manufacture other silk products i.e. dupatta and dress materials made of silk in comparatively smaller quantity. Zari silk saree has regular demands from the buyers based in Chanderi. Stakeholder consultations revealed that the weavers in the district receive orders of Zari silk sarees from the agents/traders based in Chanderi. Silk dupatta and dress materials are manufactured. pirn winding and weaving activities (along with pre-weaving activities) are conducted in Lalitpur whereas other activities are conducted in Chanderi. The designs provided by traders/wholesalers are imparted on zari silk sarees manufactured in the district.

Chanderi silk sarees are one of the finest and luxurious silk sarees hailing from Lalitpur and Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh, India. These Sarees borrow their name from the town of Chanderi in which they were earlier traditionally produced. The town is especially famous for their special kind of weaving which explains that for Chanderi Silk Sarees Weavers, this weaving is a primary occupation for their handloom weavers. Zari (or jari) is an even thread traditionally made of fine gold or silver used in traditional Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani garments, especially as brocade in saris etc. It is believed this tradition started during the Mughal era. These elegant Sarees are known all over the world for their transparency, exquisite designs and engraved buti work. Zari Silk Saree is characterized by its lightweight, sheer texture and fine luxurious feel. Chanderi fabric is produced by weaving in silk and golden Zari in the traditional cotton yarn. Listed below are different kinds of zari work in the region: 1. Zari work 2. Kamdani 3. Mina Work 4. Kataoki Bel 5. Makaish 6. Tilla or Marori Work 7. Gota Work 8. Kinari Work

The following are the key products manufactured in the cluster:;

Zari works is a heavy and elaborate embroidery work which uses a variety of gold threads, beads, seed pearls and gota. Zardozi work is mainly done on fabrics like heavy silk, velvet and satin. It is used to embellish wedding outfits, heavy coats, and other products. Zardozi embroidery is a beautiful metal embroidery, which was once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India. It was also used to adorn walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses.;

Kamdani is light needle work, which is done on lighter materials like scarves, caps etc. using flattened wire. Ordinary thread is used, and the wire is pressed down to produce satin stitch effect. This effect produced is glittering and it is called hazara butti. In Kamdani, the wire is attached to a small length of thread is pulled through the fabric with a needle, beautifully working into motifs. This is also referred to as ‘fancy kaam’. Kamdani is becoming a rarity and most of the craftsmen are elderly men;

Traditionally, gota ribbons were woven with a warp of flattened gold and silver wire and a weft of silk/ cotton threads and used as a functional trim on garments and textiles. While most believe that gota patti is the forte of Rajasthan alone, some also claim that it is, in fact, a form of Pakistani embroidery that originated in Punjab before spreading in popularity to neighbouring states. The handcraft is centuries-old and was traditionally the domain of the royal family & members of the court. Today, it’s a must-have in festive and bridal wardrobes;

This is a border pattern made of stiff canvas and the whole surface is filled with sequins edging. A variation of this border technique is lace made on net and filled with zari stitches & spangles. Zari or Jari, is an even thread made of fine gold or silver, used to make traditional Indian or Pakistani embroidered fabrics, through an intricate art of weaving threads. Started during the Mughal era, Zari was associated with the grand attires of Gods, Kings and literary figures in literary sources.;

This is one of the oldest styles and is done with silver wire or badla. The wire itself serves as a needle, piercing the material to complete the stitches. A variety of designs are produced in this manner. The craft of mukaish is easily identified as a dotted pattern in silver or gold metal, embedded in the body of lightweight fabric. Today, contemporary modifications of the traditional metal work can be seen both on fashion week runways and in sought-after ethnic ensembles;

Also known as Abha work and Kashmiri Tilla work. Made with golden/ silver/ antique zari thread (Kasab/ Tilla). This is the kind of embroidery where gold thread is stitched on to the surface with a needle.;

Also known as Gota Patti Work, Gota-Kinari work or Lappe ka Kaam. It is a type of metal embroidery that originated in Rajasthan, India. The cities of Jaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Kota are the epicentre of uniquely styled Gota work. Elaborate patterns are created with metals like gold, silver, copper etc. A small variation is kinari work where the embellishments are done only at the edges in the form of tassels. This is done mainly by men and women of the muslim community. It is applied on to the edges of a fabric to create fancy patterns and is popularly used in edging bridal sarees and lehengas. In Rajasthan, gota work is extensively done on Dupattas and Ghagras. Outfits adorned with gota work are popularly worn at auspicious functions.;

Mina work resembles enamel work and makes use of gold threads.;

The Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) has accorded the Geographical Indication (GI) registration to the intricate needle handicraft- Zari Silk Saree and it was registered under the brand of ‘Chanderi Saree’ in the year 2006. The registration has been secured by Chanderi Development Foundation, Chanderi. Chanderi District of Madhya Pradesh comes under geographical Identified area, but no significant progress is seen in Post G.I. Initiative in Lalitpur. ;

The stakeholders include raw materials (Silk threads) supplier and other secondary materials namely dyed silk yarns, dyed cotton yarn, zari threads and Needles. These primary and secondary materials sourced from Local retailers and traders based in far off commercial cities like Delhi, Agra and Kanpur. Financial institutions (Banks and Fintech) support through providing loans to the enterprise

Following are principal Manufacturers, Industry Associations/SPVs that are working for the development of Zari-Silk Saree in Lalitpur:
► Indian Industry Association (IIA)
► Provincial Industries Association (PIA)
► Pant Handloom Weavers Society
► Koshit Reinvented Society ;

There are 4 HS codes under which deals in the HS Codes the product is exported from the district: ;

The chapter focuses on the export scenario of India and Uttar Pradesh and then deep dives into the export statistics of the following HS codes considered for silk products. Category A: 500790 (Woven Fabrics Containing Predominantly, but <85% Silk or Silk Waste by Weight), Category B: 500720 (Woven Fabrics Containing>= 85% Silk or Schappe by Weight), Category C: 500710 (Woven Fabrics of Noel Silk), Category D: 621410 (Shawls, Scarves, Mufflers, Mantillas, Veils and Similar Articles of Silk or Silk Waste).;

► In 2019, India exported Silk to various countries worth USD 14,151 thousand (for silk products covered under above mentioned 04 HSN codes), decrease of 30% as compared to previous year.
► The total exports of Zari-Silk Saree products from Lalitpur district were NIL in year 2020-21.
► Other prominent products exported from Lalitpur District are Granite (Roughly trimmed Slabs (26% of value) and Slabs of rectangular processed Slabs (20.55%), Wheat, Parts of aeroplane, Generator of output>2000.
► There are more than 4 HSN Codes which may be used for Exports of Zari-Silk Saree but here analysis of one prominent HSN code has been done.
► 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 to be ascertained. Along with that, a common platform to be created where there can be an integration between the exporters and importers, thereby making the export ecosystem robust and effective.
► Zari Silk Saree products do not have specific HSN codes. Based on stakeholder consultations, following HSN codes were mentioned for the product. Product 500790: India's exports represent 11.6% of world exports for this product, its ranking in world exports is 4. India exports this product to USA, UK, Hongkong, Germany, Netherlands, UAE, Qatar, Italy and Belgium. Below figure shows the top importers for this product (500790) from India:

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 artisans 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:

During the product diversification new product line like Purses, Langar/Ghagra, Churidar, Punjabi, Curtains, Other dress materials like Scarf etc needs to be promoted. Additionally creation of a new product range like zari-work that can be laminated and attached to wooden doors, frames, wall paintings etc. They can also create gift bags, curtains with intricate zari work;

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 handloom weavers and can make fusion products by blending zari work with madhubani. They can also expand in terms of the materials they use for making the products by introducing cotton and jute into their product range.;

Granite is declared as a “Minor Mineral,” under the MMDR Act, 1957 and, therefore, falls under the purview of the State Governments.

Granite is declared as a “Minor Mineral,” under the MMDR Act, 1957 and, therefore, falls under the purview of the State Governments. Granite technically refers to a light coloured granulose plutonic rock composed of felspars, plagioclase quartz (35% approx.) and minor amounts (45% approx.) of mafic minerals such as biotite, hornblende, pyroxene, iron oxides, etc. It is also defined as coarse-grained (Phaneritic) intrusive ingenious rock composed mostly of quartz alkali feldspar and plagioclase. It forms from magma with a high content of silica and alkali metal oxides that slowly cools and solidifies underground. Amongst hard stones, the red granite is one of the most widely traded commodities in the world. The granite stone industry holds a prominent place in the Indian economy. This sector is known for its consistency in high export earnings, and it is among the major foreign exchange earners for the country. Indian red granite stone is one of the most sought-after and saleable colours for kitchen tops, headstones, wall stones, and vanity tops. Lalitpur is one of the districts of Uttar Pradesh that is well known for its red granite production and quarries. Red granite slabs, tiles, and blocks are common types of granite products sold and supplied by granite suppliers and exporters. With red granite suppliers, buyers can have the right response on all queries such as red granite texture, tile, headstone, kitchen tops, and windowsills. Operations involved in the processing of red granite stone are: Dressing of granite stones; cutting and sawing-of granite stones; grinding and polishing of granite stone surfaces and trimming and cutting of granite stone edges. Being adjacent to granites mining hub of districts Sagar, Tikamgarh & Guna of Madhya Pradesh, which is famous for granite stones quarry industries, there are many granites quarrying and stones processing units in Lalitpur. Most popular granite types available for commercial purposes in a red hue and tone. There are some major quarrying and mining units and granite processing units including Pitambara Granites, Shri Balaji granites, Shyam granites, M/s Deepak Marbles and Granites, Chaudhary Granites, Vikas Granites. The cluster’s annual turnover in 2020-21 was around INR 500 Cr . The export turnover from September 2020 to November 2021 was INR 112.48 Cr . The total employment in the cluster is around 10000.17

This sector comprises of quarry and mines owners (where bulk red granites are excavated and reshape into square slab of granite) and processing unit engaged transforming granites into a variety of consumer products such as slabs of various sizes, and forms namely Tiles, Big slabs, counter slabs, small slabs, steps, risers, pavers and cobbles. On the other hand, at the finishing basis, it has polished, flamed, honed, brushed, sandblasted, leather and bush hammered. The granite stones have its wide and varied applications like, Flooring, kitchen countertops, staircases, steps, treads and vases etc. Apart from the quality of raw material, the process of its conversion into leather and, later, of the design, product development and process of product’s manufacturing play a key role in value addition.

Mine owner/ Lessee The primary raw materials required in the Cluster are Chemicals, Raw Hides, Pasting Gum, Adhesives, sewing thread, etc. which are essentially procured from within and outside the Cluster. Majority of raw hides are procured from outside of the cluster mainly from Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. As per stakeholder discussion, some of the units are importing raw materials from other countries due to cheaper rates. Processing unit owners & Workers There are more 15 mining and quarrying units and approx. 12 processing cum trading units involved in processing of granite products. Majority of the units located in Lalitpur Tehsil where 26 lease mines are approved for mining and quarrying works. cluster have their corporate office in Kanpur or Delhi. More than 10000 workers working in these units and are residing in Lalitpur and nearby adjoining blocks of granites. Machinery Supplier The entire Leather product sector is de-licensed, facilitating expansion on modern lines with state-of-the-art machinery and equipment. Most of the machineries required in the tanning industry are imported from Italy, Germany, and other countries. Mainly, the drums required in the tanning industry are imported from other countries because of the specification and finishing. Few units involved in manufacturing of footwear got their machinery assembled from the local machinery suppliers. The servicing of the machineries is done locally, and the engineers/mechanics are available for servicing of these machines.

Following are principal industry associations that are working for the development of leather products:
► Federation of Indian granite & Stone Industry: The Federation of Indian Granite & Stone Industry (FIGSI) is an ISO 9001:2008 certified organization and has been working since 1983 for the progress and scientific development of the industry. The association endeavours to act as a bridge between the industry, the government & all stakeholders, and bring constant improvement in mineral regulation, policies, processes, systems & procedures. It is a member-based organization, and its mandate is to provide support to its members for increasing export. The membership fee is being charged based on export turnover. Major services provided by them are: i. Granite Development Council (GDC) ii. Group of Marble Development iii. Sustainable Mining Initiative (SMI) iv. Advocacy support
► All India Granite and Stone Association: All India Granite and Stone Association (AIGSA) was established in 1983 for the progress ans scientific
► Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur: It has a separate consultancy department catering to needs of SMEs created for providing services in Energy conservation methods, Market & Finance, Innovative Product Design, Packaging, IT applications, Application of Multimedia
► MSME- Development Institute (MSME- DI), Kanpur: 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.
► Small Industries Association, Lalitpur (SIA)
► Provincial Industries Association (PIA)
► Centre for development of stones
► MSDC (Multi Skill Development Center) ;

Below is the HS code under which the product red granite has been exported from the district to various countries of the world.;

In the world, there are nearly 300 varieties of granites of which India supplies about 200 varieties. In the red granite category, Karnatka specializes in production of Ruby Red, Chilly Red, Cera grey and kanakpura multicolour varieties of granites . currently The export scenario of India and Uttar Pradesh have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS codes 25161100 & 25161200. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product code. ;

► India's exports under HSN code ~25161100 represent 63.10% of world exports for this product, its ranking in world exports is 1st later followed by South Africa, Angola, and Spain, Zimbabwe, and China.
► And under HSN Code ~25161200, India represents 32.10%, it ranks in world exports is 2nd after Brazil. India export followed by countries Spain, Angola, Portugal, Italy and Turkey, China and USA.
► Other prominent products exported from District are Parts of Helicopter/Aeroplanes, Ac Generators (Alternators) of an Output >2000 KVA but <=5000 KVA. Product (Red Granite) HSN Code 25161100 & 25161200: India exported this product to China (64.4%), Taiwan (2.1%), USA (0.3), Poland (3.2%), Italy (9.3%), Belgium (1.0%), Vietnam (0.02%) etc. India's exports represent 52.7% of world exports for this product, its ranking in world exports is 1. Below figure shows the top importers for this product (25161100) in the world:
Product (Red Granite) HSN Code 25161200 India exported this product (Share in India’s exports) to top 10 countries namely, China (53.6%), Algeria (15.3%), USA (4.8%), Vietnam (4.7%), Poland (2.7%), Germany (2.0%), Thailand (2.0%), Norway (1.6%) and Italy (1.1%) etc. India's exports represent 32.1% of world exports for this product, its ranking in world exports is 2. Below figure shows the top importers for this product (25161200) in the world:

Product Diversification– The Industry may focus on export of value-added items like designer granites, architectural granites i.e., to develop granite stones without using polishing and raw formats. Granite stones industries need model such as waste to wealth, below table shows the waste to wealth model: