Lok Sabha Question No. 433 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-02
Subject: District Export Hub
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Captain Brijesh Chowta

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.433 TO BE ANSWERED ON  02.12.2025

## DISTRICT EXPORTS HUB

433. Shri Captain Brijesh Chowta:

## Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:

(a) Whether Dakshina Kannada has been designated as a District Export Hub for products such as seafood, cashew, and coconut-based goods, if so, the details thereof;

(b)  the  action  taken  to  support  exporters  facing  disruptions  caused  by  international  logistics challenges and volatility in freight charges;

(c)  whether  the  Government  plans  to  upgrade  export  infrastructure  in  the  district,  including enhancement of port capacity and warehousing synergies with New Mangalore Port to address current supply chain gaps, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether any policy or fiscal incentives, such as logistics subsidies, have been introduced to retain product value-chains locally and reduce dependency on outside intermediaries, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) Designation of Dakshina Kannada as a District Export Hub:  The Government has designated Dakshina Kannada as a District Export Hub under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, with seafood and cashew added as potential export products. This recognition underscores the district's  strong  export  potential  and  aligns  with  ongoing  efforts  to  promote  balanced  and sustainable economic growth across the country. The identified focus areas under this initiative are  expected  to  further  strengthen  local  industry,  enhance  value-added  activities,  and  expand market opportunities for enterprises in the region. The designation is aimed at fostering increased participation in global trade and supporting long-term development within the district.

- (b) Support for  Exporters  Facing Logistics Disruptions: Under  the  DEH  initiative, the Government  has  undertaken  multiple  measures  to  enhance  logistics  efficiency  and  mitigate vulnerabilities  arising  from  international  supply  chain  disruptions  and  freight  volatility.  Key interventions include:
1. District  Export  Action  Plans  (DEAPs): Identification of logistics  gaps  such  as connectivity  issues,  warehousing  deficits,  packaging,  and  testing  infrastructure,  with targeted recommendations for district-level improvements.
2. Operationalisation  of  SEPCs  and  DEPCs: State  and  District  Export  Promotion Committees  facilitate  coordinated  action  among  district  authorities,  customs,  logistics providers, MSME bodies, and industry associations to resolve logistics issues promptly.
3. Infrastructure  &  Logistics  Enhancement: Measures  include  improving  first-mile connectivity,  establishing  common  facility  centres,  enhancing  warehousing  and  testing facilities, and strengthening linkages to ports and dry ports.
4. Promotion  of  E-commerce  Exports: Partnerships  with  platforms  such  as  Amazon, Shiprocket, and DHL provide MSMEs with cost-effective courier and small-consignment shipping alternatives to buffer against freight rate volatility.
5. Dak  Ghar  Niryat  Kendras  (DNKs): Expansion of postal export facilities for documentation,  packaging,  and  small-parcel  shipments,  providing  alternative  channels during logistics disruptions.
6. Capacity-Building & Outreach: DGFT Regional Authorities and district administrations  conduct  exporter  awareness  programs  on  logistics  planning,  export procedures, packaging norms, and compliance requirements.
7. Monitoring of Export Performance: District-wise export data is regularly analysed to identify emerging challenges and enable responsive interventions.
- (c)  Under  the Districts  as  Export  Hubs  (DEH) initiative,  the  Government  is  undertaking  a structured  process  to  identify  and  address  district-specific  export  bottlenecks,  including  those relating to logistics, connectivity, and warehousing. For the Dakshina Kannada district, a District Export Action Plan (DEAP) has been formulated, highlighting requirements for improved export infrastructure, including enhanced first-mile linkages to New Mangalore Port, augmentation of warehousing  and  consolidation  facilities, and  support  infrastructure for identified export products.

Further,  a District  Export  Promotion  Committee  (DEPC) has  been  constituted  to  facilitate coordinated  action  among  district  authorities,  exporters,  the  port  authority,  customs,  logistics agencies, and relevant State and Central departments. Through this mechanism, infrastructurerelated  requirements  identified  in  the  DEAP-including  port-connected  warehousing  and logistics support-are being taken up with the concerned implementing agencies for appropriate consideration.

The DEH initiative serves as  a  facilitative  and  consultative  framework  to  ensure  that  districtlevel  export  requirements  are  aligned  with  ongoing  and  proposed  infrastructure  development efforts in the region, including those associated with New  Mangalore  Port , thereby strengthening the overall export ecosystem in Dakshina Kannada district.

(d) The  Districts  as  Export  Hubs  (DEH)  initiative  serves  as  a  facilitative  framework  aimed  at strengthening district-level export potential and supporting local value-chain development.

The initiative supports retention of value-chains locally through awareness as below:

- District Export Action Plans (DEAPs): Identification of value-chain gaps in processing, packaging, testing, and logistics.
- Institutional  Coordination: DEPCs/SEPCs facilitate convergence between authorities, exporters, and relevant agencies to address bottlenecks.
- Infrastructure  and  Capacity-Building  Facilitation: Warehousing,  common  facility centres,  testing  labs,  training,  and  market  access  support  are  promoted  to  reduce dependency on intermediaries.

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