- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:02 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Following the success of the third Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS), the Yogi government is set to launch a statewide initiative to promote local entrepreneurship and indigenous products. Swadeshi Melas will be held in all 75 districts from October 9 to 19, providing a major platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), khadi, handloom, and handicraft products at the district level.
Rakesh Sachan, Minister for MSME, Khadi, Handlooms, and Textiles, announced the initiative during a press conference on Wednesday. He urged citizens to support the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign by purchasing local products for pre-Diwali shopping. “These fairs aim to bring joy to the homes of small entrepreneurs, artisans, and craftspeople while promoting self-reliance in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
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The Swadeshi Melas will be organised in high-footfall areas using tents and other arrangements. Transport and assistance will be provided to artisans from villages, and entrepreneurs will get space to set up shops free of cost. The fairs will also include cultural performances, showcasing various forms of art alongside the products.
The initiative comes after the UPITS in Greater Noida (September 25-29), which saw over 2,200 stalls, attracted more than 500 buyers from over 80 countries, and recorded a footfall of 5,00,000 visitors, generating business enquiries worth Rs 12,500 crore. Building on this success, Swadeshi Melas aim to promote local products, GST reforms, and provide opportunities for the 96 lakh MSME units across the state.
In Lucknow, the mela will be held on the University Campus, while fairs in other districts will be inaugurated by ministers and public representatives. Notable inaugurations include Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak in Lucknow, CM Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur, MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan in Kanpur and Fatehpur, and several other ministers and MLAs across the state.
Under schemes such as the CM Yuva Udyami Yojana, loans of up to Rs 5 lakh are being provided to youth for self-employment, helping promote small enterprises and generate employment. Financial support will also be provided to artisans through the MSME department.
Sachan emphasised that the initiative will contribute to building a self-reliant and developed Uttar Pradesh, aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of encouraging local products and promoting village-based industries. Products such as earthen diyas, decorative lights, ODOP items, and Khadi Gramodyog products will be sold at the fairs, benefiting artisans and entrepreneurs directly and reducing dependency on foreign goods.
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Additional Chief Secretary Alok Kumar of the Industrial Development, MSME, and Export Department was also present at the press conference. The statewide Swadeshi Melas are expected to provide a strong platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs, and craftspeople, ensuring economic growth and festive cheer during Diwali.