Moradabad is globally synonymous with exquisite brass handicrafts — from artistic home décor, utensils, and silverware to intricate trophies and idols. Its artisans have built a formidable reputation in key markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the Middle East. The district consistently ranks among Uttar Pradesh’s top exporting hubs, with annual exports often exceeding Rs 10,000 crore in recent years, forming a substantial portion of the state’s handicraft and metalware shipments.While brass remains the crown jewel, the export basket has diversified smartly. Local manufacturers now export iron sheet metalware, aluminum artworks, glassware, woodcraft, and agriculture-derived products like mentha oil in significant volumes. This evolution has cushioned the industry against market fluctuations and positioned Moradabad as a versatile manufacturing node.
Yogi government’s support gives fillip to local business
The Yogi Adityanath government’s arrival in 2017 marked a decisive shift. Decades of “Jungle Raj,” extortion, and policy paralysis had stifled growth. The new administration prioritized law and order through zero-tolerance policing, dismantling criminal networks that once plagued industrial clusters. This restored investor confidence and enabled artisans and entrepreneurs to operate without fear.A landmark initiative has been the ‘One District One Product (ODOP)’ scheme, launched in 2018, with Moradabad’s metal crafts (brassware) as a flagship product. ODOP has delivered comprehensive support: skill development training for thousands of artisans, establishment of Common Facility Centers (CFCs), improved access to credit, branding, and marketing assistance. Exports of ODOP products from Uttar Pradesh have surged dramatically, contributing nearly Rs 1.86 lakh crore IN 2024 growing from RS 88,000 crore in 2017 . In Moradabad, the scheme has driven around 40 percent growth in brassware exports, empowered over 4,000 artisans through training, and strengthened market linkages via e-commerce, trade fairs, and global exhibitions.The government has further bolstered MSMEs through single-window clearances, interest subsidies, and digital platforms. Integration with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and export promotion councils has reduced transaction costs. The state’s Investors’ Summits and focused policies have attracted substantial proposals, with many grounding in western UP clusters including Moradabad.
Sound industrial infrastructure and good connectivity
Robust infrastructure development has been pivotal. The Moradabad Special Economic Zone (SEZ), spanning over 460 acres, offers world-class facilities, reliable power, and streamlined clearances. Under the Yogi regime, the SEZ has been revitalized and expanded to attract diverse sectors beyond traditional handicrafts.The Master Plan 2031 for Moradabad, reviewed and advanced by the Chief Minister, envisions the district as a vibrant economic hub. Key elements include a mega MSME park, enhanced industrial corridors, a modern township (Shivalik Awas on 1,200 hectares), and infrastructure for handicraft exports. Improved road networks, proximity to Delhi-NCR (just 167 km away), and better logistics have slashed transit times and costs.Power supply reliability has improved markedly, addressing a perennial pain point. Electrification drives, coupled with incentives for green energy in industrial zones, have supported energy-intensive brass manufacturing processes sustainably.
Future outlook
Despite minor business set backs or global market ups and down , the growth trajectory is strongly positive owing to the Yogi government’s emphasis on skill enhancement, women’s participation in crafts, and youth employment through ODOP and related programs is creating inclusive growth. Initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and direct benefit transfers ensure welfare reaches grassroots levels. Ongoing projects worth hundreds of crores — including flatted factories, warehousing, and export facilitation centers — signal sustained momentum. Moradabad’s journey exemplifies the synergy between traditional craftsmanship and enlightened modern governance. Since 2017, the Yogi Adityanath government’s relentless focus on security, infrastructure, ease of doing business, and targeted schemes like ODOP has unlocked the district’s potential. From a law-and-order-challenged cluster to a diversified export engine, Moradabad now contributes robustly to Uttar Pradesh’s ambition of becoming a trillion-dollar economy.As the Brass City aligns with national goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, its artisans, entrepreneurs, and policymakers are scripting a story of resilience and renaissance. With continued emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness, Moradabad is set to shine brighter — preserving heritage while forging a prosperous future for its people and the state.
