Sitapur is a town in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established by the king Vikarmaditya after the name of Lord Ram’s wife Sita.

This place is concerned with ancient, medieval and modern history. Purans were written by Rishi Ved Vyas on this Holi land. According to Hindu mythology the ‘Panch Dham Yatra’ journey of five main religious Hindu places will not be completed without visiting the Neemsar or Naimisharanya, a religious ancient place in Sitapur. The geographical area of Sitapur district is 5743 Sq. km. The total population of the district as per 2011 census is 44,83 lakhs out of which 23.75 lakhs are male and 21.08 Lakhs are females. This district was famous for its textile industry in 17th and 18th century. The East India Company arranged to export the handloom clothes manufactured in Khairabad and Dariyabagh. The district is mainly famous for its cotton and woolen mat (Durries). Besides, the durrie and carpets, the prominent product being exported from this district are Rice.

Sitapur district is located at Latitude 27.57°N & 80.68°E. It is located on the gangastics plains with elevations ranging from 150 metre above sea level in the north and in the north west to 100 meters. The Sitapur City is situated on the bank of river Sarayan, Halfway between Lucknow and Shahjahanpur on the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway No.24 and 89 Km. Northwest from the state capital Lucknow. Sitapur district is surrounded by district Khiri in the North, District Bahraich in the East, district Lucknow in the South, District Barabanki in the south east and district Hardoi in the West.

Sitapur intersected by numerous streams and riveres and contains many shallow pounds and natural reservoirs, which overflow during rainy season, but become dry in the hot season. Except in the eastern portion, which lies in the doabs between the Kewani and Chanka and the Ghaghra and Chauka 4 rivers, the soil is dry. Even this moist tract is interspersed with patches of land covered with saline efflorescence called reh.

As given in the following table, MSME industries across the sectors of Food products, cotton textile, hosiery and garments, wood/wooden based furniture, other different services, and job work are key economy drivers in the district. Out of total population of 4,483,992 (2011 census), 1,422,602 are working population. Out of total working population, 73% are cultivators and agricultural labourers. This indicates that agriculture is the main source of income in the district.

The total export from Sitapur is approximately INR 525.31 Crore for the period September 2020 to November 2021. The following table depicts the value of export of major products from Sitapur

Sitapur Cluster is 100 years old. The tradition of weaving is passed on from generation to generation, so the uniqueness still exists

Sitapur is a traditional production center of handmade rugs, durries and Bathmats dating as back as Mugal Regime in India". The district is well known for the cotton and woolen carpets made in Laharpur and Khairabad and exported to other parts of the country as well as abroad. There are around 74 registered units manufacturing durries/carpets. Alongside are the key facts. District Sitapur is a traditional craft pocket of Durrie/Carpet. The main pockets are Laharpur, Khairabad, Biswan and Parsendi block. Khairabad cluster in district Sitapur, is a major durrie making center. Sitapur Rugs (Sitapur durries) made here are based on flat weave technique using horizontal looms (pit looms). Besides cotton, jute, rayon, and chenille durries are also made here and exported all over the world.

Various kinds of fibers are used in making Carpets. Historically, Wool and Silk have been the most common and fibers used in making Carpets as they are considered the most aesthetic natural fibers. There properties like feel, strength, durability, dye-ability, and availability have made them the most popular fibers. Nowadays many synthetic fibres are also being used in making Carpets. The following are the key products manufactured in the cluster:

Following are principal Industry Associations/SPVs that are working for the development of Durrie/Carpet in Sitapur :
► Indian Industry Association (IIA)
► Biswan Bunkar Welfare Society, Biswan, Sitapur
► Sitapur Handloom Durrie Association, Sitapur ;

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 mentioned above under which Durrie/Carpet products are exported. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product codes.;

► The total exports of Durrie/Carpet products from Sitapur district were approx. INR 41.48 Cr during September 2020 to November 2021.
► There are more than 9 HSN Codes which may be used for Exports of Durrie/Carpet 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 comparatively 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. Product 57024210: Uttar Pradesh exports this product to USA, UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Japan, Belgium, Canada, Russian Federation, Poland. Below figure shows the top importers for this product (57024210) in the world.

The state is a leading producer in agriculture products like rice, wheat, sugarcane etc. The economy of the cluster is heavily dependent on agriculture products. Approximate Export turnover of the Rice is INR 60.96 Cr.

Rice: Any rice other than Basmati Rice is named as non-Basmati rice. In the world it has been reported that there are over 10,000 varieties of rice and out of which the maximum number are in India.

Rice: Multiple varieties of rice exist including short-grain, medium-grain, and long-grain varieties.;

Following are principal Industry Associations that are working for the development of Rice:
► Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
► Indian Industries Association (IIA)
► Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF)
► Participatory Rural Development Foundation (PRDF) - PRDF is a Gorakhpur based philanthropic organisation founded Dr. Ram Chet Chaudhary, a leading Agri-scientist working for the benefit of farming community of North India
► International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) - world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations
► National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack (NRRI) - The National Rice Research Institute is located in Cuttack in Odisha state. The basic objective of institute is to conduct basic, applied, and adaptive research on crop improvement and resource management for increasing and stabilizing rice productivity in different rice ecosystems with special emphasis on rainfed ecosystems and the related abiotic stresses
► U.P. Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR) - The UPCAR is an autonomous apex state organisation registered as a society, which plans, co-ordinates and promotes research, education, training, and transfer of technology for advancement of agriculture and allied sciences. The UPCAR was established on June 14, 1989, with its headquarters at Lucknow.
► Agriculture Department
► Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) ;

HS codes under which the product is exported from the district. ;

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The export scenario of World and India have been analysed basis the export statistics of HS code 100630 (Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed) and 100640 under which non-Basmati rice is exported from Sitapur district. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product code.;

► The total export of product from Sitapur district as per HS code 100630 & 100640 is around INR 60.96 crores for the period September 20 to November 2021.10
► India's exports represent 36.30% of world exports for code 100630 and its ranking in world exports is 1. Similarly, for code 100640, India's exports represent 16.90% of world exports and its ranking in world exports is 2.
► India exported this product to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Benin, Nepal, Senegal, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Togo, Mozambique etc.
► Other prominent products exported from Sitapur District are durrie/carpets etc. Product: HS Code 100630 (Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed) Below figure shows the top importers for this product (100630) in the world:

Rice: Product Diversification is one of the most crucial product uplifting strategies which in turn is an important part of a product’s export. Currently, only the grains of rice are being sold directly in the market. Knowing the health benefits of the product an initiative can be made for product diversification to manufacture value added products such as chiwda, poha, brown rice, rice noodles, idli & dosa batter. The broken rice can be used to create flour. Rice flour is gluten-free; therefore, it is an alternative for producing gluten-free products. Rice flour is also hypoallergenic. Thus, it can be utilized for producing baby food, puddings, and other food products. Due to the decreased risk for people with sensitivities, food companies prefer rice flour to other varieties of flour. Thus, it is economically justifiable to grind broken rice to produce flour for such applications. With adequate upgradation of technology in the cluster the farmers/ millers can sell by-products and generate additional income by manufacturing by-products from Rice Husks, Brans and Straws; the following are their uses: