The district Kasganj (Former Name as Kanshi Ram Nagar) was formed on 17th Apr 2008 by carving out Kasganj, Patiali and Sahawar Tehsils from Etah district.Kasganj is the 71th district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The district and particularly the city Kasganj are popularly known as because it was established in a thick forest of “kans”.

Kasganj comes in the Aligarh division jurisdiction. Sant Tulsidas born in the district and Amir Khusro also belongs to Patiali tehsil of the district. Popular area of the district includes Soron, Patiali, Nadri etc. The town has got a prominent geographical feature in the shape of Kali River. The river originates in Doon Valley and merges with Hindon River in Ghaziabad which subsequently merges with holy river Yamuna. The Kali River has also got two canals which pass over the river through the two bridges specially made for this purpose. This is a sort of modern civil architectural wonder which attracts some curious onlookers from and around the town to witness and marvel this piece of engineering. Kasganj comes in the Aligarh division jurisdiction. Sant Tulsidas born in the district and Amir Khusro also belongs to Patiali tehsil of the district. Popular area of the district includes Soron, Patiali, Nadri etc. The town has got a prominent geographical feature in the shape of Kali River. The river originates in Doon Valley and merges with Hindon River in Ghaziabad which subsequently merges with holy river Yamuna. The Kali River has also got two canals which pass over the river through the two bridges specially made for this purpose. This is a sort of modern civil architectural wonder which attracts some curious onlookers from and around the town to witness and marvel this piece of engineering.

The total area of Kasganj District is 22.18 sq km and lies between Latitude 27°48′30″N and Longitude 78°38′45″E. In terms of area of district Kasganj is at 68th place in Uttar Pradesh. It is surrounded by Farrukhabad in the East, Aligarh in the West, Etah district in the North and in South it is surrounded by Badaun.Kasganj is well connected by road, railway and air network. The district is situated on State Highway No. 33, Agra -Budaun -Bareilly which is also known as the Mathura-Bareilly Highway. There are regular buses from other cities to Kasganj and vice versa. Kasganj is approachable from other cities by Indian Railway Network since British Rule. It lies on a trijunction and it is well connected to Lucknow, Bareilly and Mathura through rail network in three different directions. The nearest airport is situated in Agra which is famous as Kheria Airport which approximately 100 kms away from the district.

The Topography of Kashiram Nagar district is mainly a plain. The district has a pleasing climate with cool and foggy winter and generally hot and humid summer. The wet session from July to October during which the district receives rainfall. The average annual rainfall is around 892mm. The temperature of the district is varies from48C in summer and 3Cin winter.

District Kasganj is one of the traditional craft pocket of Zari-Zardozi embroidery. This craft has been identified as a product to be taken under the prestigious State Government Scheme- One District One Product. Zari embroidery craft is basically located in 7 blocks of Kasganj district which are in proximity to Delhi and Farrukhabad district. The important craft pocket Patiyali is connected to Delhi.Kasganj district is predominantly agricultural and nearly 70% of the work force is still engaged in the agricultural & allied activities. From the foregoing chapters it can be said that the Kasganj district has minimum necessary infrastructure that is required for setting up small-scale units in the district.

Out of total population of 1,436,719 (2011 census) 4,72,765are working population. Out of total working population, 71% are cultivators and agricultural labourers. This indicates that agriculture is the major source of income in the district.

The following table depicts the value of export of major product from Kasganj:

Zari embroidery craft is basically located in 7 blocks of Kasganj district which are in proximity to Delhi and Farrukhabad district.

The word 'Zardozi' is made up of two Persian terms, Zar meaning gold and Dozi meaning embroidery. A Persian embroidery form, Zardozi attained its summit in the 17th century, under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Under the rule of Aurangzeb, the royal patronage stopped, and this led to the decline of the craft. District Kasganj is a traditional craft pocket of Zari-Zardozi embroidery.
Zari embroidery craft is basically located in 7 blocks of Kasganj district which are in proximity to Delhi and Farrukhabad district. The important craft pocket Patiyali is connected to Delhi. Around 32000 artisans are skilled in traditional zardozi craft work since a longtime. The income per artisan per day is Rs. 150-200, depending on the workmanship. The annual turnover of the cluster is approximately INR. 172 Crores there are is no direct export of Zari Zardozi products from Kasganj District.

Currently, the cluster prepares intricate designs on Lahenga, bridal sarees, bridal wear, and any fashion items with lot of glitter.At the onset of the craft, one of the first products ever manufactured was for the headgear used by the nawabs in Lucknow. It was in the due process that the embroidery art was also transformed and diversified into a variety of products. The traditional products comprise of Caps, Chakan, Angrakha, Kurta-Kameez and Applique etc.
The modern products in the cluster are categorized as men’s wear, such as embroidered sherwani, handkerchief and shirts etc; women’s wear, like unstitched suit - salwar cloth, stitched suit, saree, kurti, lehenga, ladies’ short kurta; children’s clothing, like a baby set, etc. Over a period of time, the artisans of Lucknow Chikankari have additionally indulged in product diversification by fabricating new-fangled products, like table mat, pillow cover, bedsheet, curtain, table accessories, cushion cover, etc.

Artisans from the district Kasganj are producing value-based Zari/zardozi products. The value of products varies with the use of type of cloth & material used for embroidery and richness of design. The following are the key products manufactured in the cluster: Zardozi Zardozi 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 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 Gota Work 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 ;
Kataoki Bel 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. Mukaish 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. Tilla or Marori Work 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. Kinari Work 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.

The registration of Geographical Indication (G.I.) status of Kasganj Zari Zardozi products is yet to be initiated.;

Cluster Stackholders

Following are principal Industry Associations/SPVs that are working for the development of Zari Zardozi in Kasganj:
► Zari Zardozi & Garments cluster Society ;

The export scenario of India and Uttar Pradesh have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS codes mentioned above under which Zari Zardozi products are exported.

The following table lists the HS codes under which the Zari Zardozi products are exported:;

The export scenario of India and Uttar Pradesh have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS codes mentioned above under which Zari Zardozi products are exported. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product codes.;
Based on our analysis, we have identified key synergies that should be developed to expand our current reach and potential; These synergies are divided into immediate and long term. The immediate synergies include countries with Signed FTA’s, high growth potential, and one is catered by India and not UP. Whereas the long-term synergies include countries with untapped market potential which can only be fulfilled if UP’s exporters comply and raise the quality of the product to the highest standards, freight rates are more subsidized and major efforts is required in marketing which will require time to accommodate the same.

► There are more than 10 HSN Codes which may be used for Exports of Zari-Zardozi 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.
► Zardozi products do not have specific HSN codes. Based on stakeholder consultations, following HSN codes were mentioned for the product.
Product581092: India exports this product to USA, China, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangladesh, UK, Germany, Netherlands & Malysia. Below figure shows the top importers for this product (581092)c in the world: Product 580500: India exports this product to USA,UK, Canada, Malaysia, Australia, Nepal, Egypt, Greece, Germany, Netherlands. Below figure shows the top importers for this product (581092) in the world:

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:
1. Development of a new products: 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. 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 zariwork with madhubani or block prints. They can also expand in terms of the materials they use for making the products by introducing cotton and jute into their product range.

There is one unit involved in manufacturing Camphor providing direct/indirect employment to around 20 workers.

There is one unit involved in manufacturing Camphor providing direct/indirect employment to around 20 workers.

The camphor is being produced in different shapes & sizes such as tablets, balls, granules & even small bricks. The shape and size id totally dependent on the work order & the basic constituent or the building block remains same.

GI tag registration for Kasganj Camphor products is not initiated.;

► Unit owners.
► Workers.
► Transport service providers.
► Banks

The export scenario of India and Uttar Pradesh have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS codes 291429 under which Camphor is being exported.

Current Scenario The export scenario of India and Uttar Pradesh have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS codes 291429 under which Camphor is being exported. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product code. ;

► The total exports of Camphor products from Kasganj district were around INR 7crores in year 2020-21.
► India's exports represent 9% of world exports for this product.7
Product 291429: India exported this product to USA, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Singapore, Brazil, Spain, Germany & Japanetc.

Product Diversification – As of now based on the discussions with the manufacturer it came to be known that there is no scope of product diversification in the product as the production solely depends on the uses intended by the buyer (without changing the composition , only change in shape & size is demanded by customers) and currently the only diversification being practiced is the change in shapes and sizes of the product.