The Government has designated Dakshina Kannada as a District Export Hub under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, with seafood and cashew identified as priority export products. The recognition underscores the district’s strong export potential and supports broader efforts to promote balanced, sustainable economic growth. The initiative is expected to enhance value-added activity, strengthen local industries and expand global market access for enterprises in the region.

As part of the DEH programme, the Government is implementing a range of measures to support exporters facing logistical challenges, including disruptions in global supply chains and fluctuations in freight costs.

Key interventions include the preparation of District Export Action Plans (DEAPs), which identify shortfalls in connectivity, warehousing, packaging and testing infrastructure. These plans outline district-level improvements required to strengthen logistics and export competitiveness.

State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs) and District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) have been operationalised to ensure coordinated action among district administrations, customs authorities, logistics providers, MSME bodies and industry associations. These mechanisms help in resolving logistical issues quickly and efficiently.

Infrastructure upgrades are also a priority: improvements to first-mile connectivity, establishment of common facility centres, enhanced warehousing and testing facilities and stronger linkages with ports and dry ports. To promote e-commerce exports, partnerships with platforms such as Amazon, Shiprocket and DHL offer MSMEs cost-effective solutions for small consignments, helping mitigate freight volatility.

Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) have been expanded to provide postal export services—including documentation, packaging and shipment of small parcels—offering alternative channels during periods of logistical disruption. Capacity-building programmes are being conducted by DGFT regional offices and district authorities to educate exporters on logistics planning, export procedures and compliance requirements. Export performance is regularly reviewed through district-wise data monitoring to identify emerging challenges promptly.

A DEAP has been formulated for Dakshina Kannada, identifying the need for stronger export infrastructure, including improved first-mile connectivity to New Mangalore Port, enhanced warehousing and consolidation facilities and supporting infrastructure for identified export products. A DEPC has also been constituted to coordinate efforts among exporters, district authorities, the port, customs and relevant state and central bodies. Infrastructure requirements identified in the DEAP—such as port-linked warehousing and logistics support—are being taken up with implementing agencies for appropriate action.

The DEH initiative ultimately aims to retain value chains within districts by improving processing, packaging, testing and logistics capabilities; strengthening institutional coordination; and promoting infrastructure such as common facility centres, testing labs and training programmes to reduce dependence on intermediaries.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.