Gorakhpur has a rich cultural and historical importance not only in the state of Uttar Pradesh but in India also. It is the birth place of Firaq Gorakhpuri, workplace of writer Sh. Munshi Premchand and mystic poet Kabirdas. It is associated with Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavir, Martyr, Pt. Ram Prasad Bismil, Bandhu Singh and many more. Gorakhpur was a part of the famous kingdom of Koshal, one of sixteen mahajanpadas in 6th Century B.C. The earliest known monarch ruling over this region with his capital at Ayodhya was IKSVAKU, who founded the solar dynasty of Kshatriya.The ancient Gorakhpur, in addition to modern, comprised the districts of Basti, Deoria, Azamgarh and parts of Nepal tarai. The region, called Gorakhpur Janpad, had been an important centre of Aryan culture and civilization

It is located on the bank of river Rapti and Rohani, a Ganges tributary originating in Nepal that sometimes causes severe floods. The Rapti is interconnected through many other small rivers following meandering courses across the Gangetic Plain. Gorakhpur is known for production of Red Ornamental style of terracotta sculptures.

The district of Gorakhpur lies between Latitude 26°13′N and 27°29′N and Longitude 83°05′E and 83°56′E. The district occupies the north-eastern corner of the state along with the district of Deoria, and comprises a large stretch of country lying to the north of the river Rapti, the deep stream of which forms its southern boundary with the Azamgarh district. On the west, the boundary marches along Basti and on the east adjoins Deoria and the Chhoti Gandak river and further south the Jharna Nala forms the dividing line. To the north lies Nepal. Gorakhpur has also a lake Ramgartal Lake, which is 18 km bigger. Ramgarh Taal is bigger than Dal Lake of Kashmir which is only of 15.5 km. It's vast and provides home to various types of fishes.
Gorakhpur is accessible from every part of India through Air, Rail and Road. It is directly connected with New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bengaluru, and other major cities by Mahayogi Gorakhnath airport.

The district presents characteristics distinct from natural features of the western districts, of the State. This difference is due primarily to the relative proximity of the Himalayas. The outermost foothills are but a few kilometers distant from the northern borders, and the high peaks of the snowy range, culminating in the huge mass of Dhaulgiri, some 8,230 meters above sea-level, are clearly in sight under favourable climatic conditions as far south as Gorakhpur itself. Below the outer hills is a dry boulder-strewn tract, corresponding to the Bhabar of Kumaun and Garhwal and here the bulk of the moisture contributed by the rainfall and the small streams is absorbed by the soil, to reappear through seepage in the damp and unhealthy tract, known as the terai. The latter comprises a belt of appox. 16 km. in width, running along the northern borders of Maharajganj tehsil. It is extensively cultivated. The average depth of water is about 4.5 meters. The plains form a level tract which slopes gently from west to south-east. The height above sea-level ranges from 107 meters in north-west to 93 meters in the south-east. Higher elevations appear at places where the general flat surface is broken by irregular ranges of sandhills. The most clearly defined ridge of this nature starts near Hapur in the Mahrajganj tahsil and runs in a winding course almost to Deoria. Fog is quite common from late December to late January. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures rising to the 40-to-46-degree Celsius range.

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

Repairing service industries, Food Products, Ready garments contribute most in terms of employment and revenue, which is approximately 18.57% and 10.73% respectively. Repairing and Servicing contributes ~29% to total employment, highest among all the enterprises and work force is employed in this vertical. Out of total population of 4,440,895 (2011 census), 1,351,629 are working population. Out of total population, 2,277,777 are male population working in other industries/self-employed, 24.54% are cultivators and agricultural labourers and only 688,809 are household workers. This indicates that agriculture is the main source of income in the district.

The total export from Gorakhpur is approximately INR 8223285282 for the period September 2020 to November 2021.
The following table depicts the value of export of seven major products from Gorakhpur:

Gorakhpur is an ancient city in the north-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh located at the banks of Rapti river. Gorakhpur is known for production of Red Ornamental style of terracotta sculptures. Terracotta was granted Geographical Indicator (GI) Tag in 2020, Gorakhpur being one of the indicated regions.

Gorakhpur is an ancient city in the north-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh located at the banks of Rapti river. Gorakhpur is known for production of Red Ornamental style of terracotta sculptures. Terracotta was granted Geographical Indicator (GI) Tag in 2020, Gorakhpur being one of the indicated regions. Over the recent years, the artisan’s interest in producing the terracotta products has weaned due to poor infrastructure, lack of modern technology and no direct market linkages leading to their inability to attract consumer compared to cheap Chinese products. This has also led to poor income for the artisans of around Rs 300- 500 for men and Rs 200- 400 women failing to attract young generation to practise this ancient craft.
Terracotta in Gorakhpur is one of the biggest artisan-based cluster of India with about 1000 artisans associated and with a turnover of about INR 4.5 crore. The pockets include, Aurangabad, Gulhariya, Jugle Ekla, Junle Tinkonia, Lala Bazar etc. Owing to its rich heritage, size, and contribution to the district’s economy, the GoUP has selected this craft under ODOP programme. Gorakhpur’s Terracotta has also received the GI tag due to its historical importance and uniqueness.

Terracotta was selected as the focus product for the district of Gorakhpur under ODOP program. Terracotta is an ancient art nurtured over generations in the rural areas of the district. Terracotta craft from Gorakhpur is uniquely identified due to its distinctive red colour which comes from “Kabis” soil which is locally available in the region. The terracotta art in the district is known for its ornamental sculptures of animals, God (Hindu) idols and pottery. Terracotta is said to outshine among other pottery and ceramic art due to its natural saffron colour and innovate shapes. Terracotta is also used for various other practical uses like roofing tiles, cooking ware and dining ware.Terracotta has been identified as ODOP product to sustain this ancient craft and promote them into the international market

The following are the key products manufactured in the cluster:
►1-Sculptures: These are premium ornamented animal and god (Hindu) idol products handcrafted by the artisans which are major used for home décor
►2-Coocking Ware: Terracotta vessels have been used for cooking since ancient times and are still developed using traditional methods, which don’t cannot compete with ceramic products from china and Khurja.
►3-Dining Ware: These products are usually developed through handcrafted for dinning ware for serving various food items like cutlery, dinner set and kulhads, but the quality of product is inferior to china, khurja and Gujarat products due to lack of modern techniques.

Gorakhpur terracotta has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2020 by the Government of India and a geographical area has been defined where the Terracotta is manufactured.15 Terracotta manufacturers in this defined area of Aurangabad, Gulariya, Jungle Ekla No.1, Jungle Ekla No.2, Bargadwa and Padri Bazaar can only be labelled as Terracotta. ;

There is no industry associations to help and to raise the voice of terracotta artisans and workers.;

India's exports represent 0.8% of world exports for this product, ranking it number 23, behind only China, Portugal, UK, Thailand and Germany amongst other countries. The value of India’s exports has gradually increased by CAGR 26.9% in the past 5 years, showing a steep increase in 2020. Belonging to the same region, India is primarily in competition with China, Thailand, Japan, Viet Nam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Out of these, China clearly dominates the world market by accounting for 24.7% of world exports for this product, ranking it number 1 in the world. While Thailand at number 4, accounts for 6.5% of world exports i.e. roughly 3.8 times lesser than China’s level of exports. (as per the trade map and UPEPB Data) The reason for targeting these countries includes a large share in world imports alongside favourable relations and positive foreign policies with their governments.

Terracotta is being exported from India under the category of ‘Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of ceramics other than porcelain or china (excluding baths, bidets, sinks and similar sanitary fixtures, statuettes and other ornamental articles, pots, jars, carboys and similar receptacles for the conveyance or packing of goods, and coffee grinders and spice mills with receptacles made of ceramics and working parts of metal)’.
United states of America, United Kingdom, Korea and Germany are high potential export market, while countries like Russia, Finland, Australia, Malaysia, Iran, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Canada and Mexico are low potential export market for terracotta tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles.

In Gorakhpur, there are no specific clusters or pocket for readymade garment manufacturing. The micro and small enterprises and tailors run it from their own houses or small area which is not standard for manufacturing and these are spread across the district. There are around 500 micro and small readymade garments manufacturing enterprises handling the key operations of value chain of RMG. Readymade Garments industry operates in an isolated framework. Most of the units outsourced their work from small groups, called job workers, of about 10-12 persons at various stages of the operation on contractual basis. There are numerous people involved in fabric weaving and about various tailors doing a job of stitching garments and finishing them. Only around 10 to 15 percent of tailors are registered with DIEPC and they have been allotted tailor card and majority of them were those who took Trainings. Cutting, Stitching, bundling, pressing & packaging are the key operation in the production of Readymade Garments.

In Gorakhpur, there are no specific clusters or pocket for readymade garment manufacturing. The micro and small enterprises and tailors run it from their own houses or small area which is not standard for manufacturing and these are spread across the district. There are around 500 micro and small readymade garments manufacturing enterprises handling the key operations of value chain of RMG. Readymade Garments industry operates in an isolated framework. Most of the units outsourced their work from small groups, called job workers, of about 10-12 persons at various stages of the operation on contractual basis. There are numerous people involved in fabric weaving and about various tailors doing a job of stitching garments and finishing them. Only around 10 to 15 percent of tailors are registered with DIEPC and they have been allotted tailor card and majority of them were those who took Trainings. Cutting, Stitching, bundling, pressing & packaging are the key operation in the production of Readymade Garments.

In cluster major product which is manufactured is Pants, Shirts, lady’s kurta & Gents Kurta. Due to unavailability of designing and product development centre most of the product are manufactured in this cluster are old and traditional design which take maximum time and low demand in market. Also, these are not certified by any competent agency, so they get less price in the market. Major market for Pants, Shirts, jacket, which are manufactured here are Western UP, Bihar west Bengal & Nepal. Most of the RMG are purchased by the low income or Middle class because their rates are inexpensive. Only few units who have inhouse testing and designing facility are manufacturing for big brands on demand basis like, Raymond’s, Bombay dyeing, pantaloons, fab India, etc.

No GI tag has been awarded to the readymade garment products manufactured in Gorakhpur.;

The Major industry association in Gorakhpur is Chamber of Ready-Made Garment Industries. ;

Export Scenario

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

India's exports represent 2.1% of world exports for this product & it’s ranking is number 11, behind China. While the value of India’s exports over the last 5 years has fluctuated but with an overall decrease by CAGR 1.49%, as per data FY F2015-16 to 2018-19 for exports from the state of UP, it is observed that there has been an increase by CAGR 24.16%. Being in the same region, India is primarily in competition with China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan and Italy who account for 19.2% ,14.4 %, 6.2%, 5.1% and 4.8% of world exports for this product i.e. china nearly nine times or more than India’s level of exports.;

While analysing export potential and markets that India (UP) can target, it is also necessary to look at Free trade agreements that India has with all countries. Below given table lists all types of agreement that India has.

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.

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.

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.

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:
► I Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
► Indian Industries Association (IIA)
► Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF)
► 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) ;

Export Scenario

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

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) under which non-Basmati rice is exported from Lucknow district. Alongside are the key facts pertaining to the analysed product code. India’s export compared to world is very low (approximately 29.76%). ;

HS Code 100630 (Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed)
► India's exports represent 29.8% of world exports for this product, its ranking in world exports is 1.
► India exported this product to Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Yemen, China, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, USA, Nepal etc. Below figure shows the top importers for this product (100630) 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. 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: