Bhadohi: From Carpet City to Silk Hub -: A Changing Economic Landscape

A New Wave of Growth Amid the Decline in Carpet Exports

Bhadohi. Once celebrated as India’s “Carpet City,” Bhadohi is now redefining its identity as a rising center for silk exports. While the country’s carpet export share continues to decline, Bhadohi is emerging as a new powerhouse in the silk trade, offering fresh hope for the region’s economy.

From Carpets to Silk: A Changing Economic Landscape

India’s total carpet exports are valued at around ₹17,740 crore, but Bhadohi’s share has now come down to nearly ₹4,500 crore.In contrast, the city’s silk export performance tells a different story.

During 2023–24, India’s total silk (HSN Code 50) exports were worth ₹1,027 crore, which increased to ₹1,375 crore in 2024–25. In the same period, Bhadohi’s silk exports rose sharply — from ₹302 crore to ₹575 crore.

Remarkably, in just the first half of 2025–26, Bhadohi has already crossed ₹420 crore in silk exports, signaling a rapid upward trend.

HSN Code 50072090: The Star Performer The major driver behind this growth has been HSN Code 50072090, which accounted for ₹496 crore of India’s exports in 2023–24 and ₹886 crore in 2024–25. From this same category, Bhadohi alone exported ₹420 crore worth of goods in the first half of 2025–26 — the highest contribution by any city in India.

Employment and Economic Opportunity on the Rise

Experts believe that this surge in silk exports could generate new employment opportunities in Bhadohi.

While the carpet industry has been witnessing a slowdown, the silk sector is fast becoming a potential substitute, helping balance the region’s export ecosystem.

Bhadohi’s proximity to Varanasi — a city renowned for its textile heritage — further enhances its logistical and commercial advantages.

Scarves, Not Sarees: The New Face of Silk Export

Interestingly, the most exported products under the leading HSN code are not sarees but scarves and fashion accessories.These products have seen a surge in global demand.Industry observers say that with targeted government incentives and export-friendly policies, the silk industry could become a major engine of employment and regional economic growth, not just for Bhadohi but for the entire Purvanchal region.The Prime Minister’s Constituency and a New Identity for BhadohiLinked to the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhadohi is poised to become the new face of India’s silk export story.