The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced initiatives to develop the state as a hub for gems and jewellery trade and exports. With an annual market estimated at over ₹1 trillion, the plan focuses on enhancing manufacturing, driving exports, and expanding opportunities in the jewellery industry.
Positioning Meerut as a Jewellery Hub
A key element of the state’s strategy is transforming Meerut into a jewellery manufacturing and trading hub for North India. Currently, the city contributes an annual turnover of ₹2,000 crore and employs approximately 40,000 artisans and traders.
To support this initiative, the government has proposed a 32,000-square-metre industrial complex. The planned facility will include a multi-storey flatted factory, aimed at fostering new businesses and supporting small-scale enterprises within the gems and jewellery sector. This infrastructure development is expected to enhance production capacity and attract investments in Meerut’s jewellery industry.
Statewide Contributions to the Industry
The gems and jewellery sector in Uttar Pradesh involves over one million professionals, including traders, craftsmen, designers, and retailers. Key centres of activity include Lucknow, Moradabad, Kanpur, Agra, and the NOIDA Export Processing Zone. Approximately 35% of the state’s jewellery market operates within the organised sector, while a thriving wholesale market serves clients across India.
Highlighting this growth, Saumitra Saraf, director of Gorakhpur-based Aisshpra Gems and Jewels, said:
“Apart from retail trade, UP has a thriving wholesale jewellery market that serves clients from other states as well.”
The company is investing ₹100 crore to develop an integrated jewellery manufacturing hub in Gorakhpur, aligning with the broader state vision for industry growth.
National and Global Context
The gems and jewellery sector is a significant contributor to India’s trade, accounting for 10–12% of the nation’s merchandise exports. In 2023, the domestic market was valued at $92 billion. Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to expand its jewellery industry aim to enhance its contribution to these figures and boost export capabilities.
For jewellers and stakeholders, Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives present opportunities for growth. The proposed infrastructure and policy measures are expected to increase production efficiency, improve market access, and support the development of new talent in the industry.
