UP to hold trade shows across all districts from Oct 9 following Greater Noida fair success

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to organise trade shows in all 75 districts of the state from October 9 to 16. The initiative will offer entrepreneurs free stalls, with an aim to expand opportunities for small manufacturers, artisans, and local businesses, officials said on Saturday.

This decision comes after the success of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) held in Greater Noida, which provided a platform for businesses to showcase their products and reach buyers. The district-level fairs are intended to bring similar market access to smaller towns and rural areas across the state.

Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan said the district-level fairs will expand a programme that was previously organised only at the divisional level. “Earlier, trade shows were restricted to the divisional level, but in view of the success of UPITS, the government has now decided to expand them to every district. Entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including textiles, will participate,” the minister was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

Sachan also said the government is considering opening khadi showrooms in universities to introduce younger consumers to the fabric. “Unlike many fabrics currently on the market, which can be harmful to health and the environment, khadi is natural, pure, and sustainable,” he added, underlining the administration’s push to position khadi both as heritage and as an eco-friendly alternative.

At the UP International Trade Show in Greater Noida, the state Fire Department’s high-tech stall attracted significant attention. Visitors could see advanced rescue equipment, including victim-tracing cameras, thermal imaging cameras, breathing apparatus sets, and even a firefighting robot.

The exhibition also showcased modern firefighting vehicles recently deployed to districts such as Meerut, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow, highlighting the government’s focus on improving emergency response infrastructure.

The trade show also highlighted the growing contribution of women entrepreneurs to the state’s economy. Nidhi Jain, who started a chikankari (embroidered textile) business in Lucknow from a single room eight years ago, said government support and simpler business rules helped her expand. “Today I employ 30 to 40 women and run studios in Noida. We can hold our heads high and contribute to building a self-reliant Uttar Pradesh,” she said.

Jain also credited improved ease of doing business and better infrastructure for her growth. “In the past eight and a half years, Uttar Pradesh has undergone historic transformation. Starting and running a business has become easier, and with better connectivity and infrastructure, traders can now access national and international markets more effectively,” she was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.