India News : The Central Government’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has identified 1,244 distinctive products across 773 districts in the country. The initiative aims to strengthen local businesses by providing traditional and unique district products with modern technology, training, financial assistance and better market access.
The ODOP initiative is also focused on taking local products to international markets. It seeks to connect artisans, weavers, farmers, women self-help groups and small entrepreneurs with wider markets.
ODOP Model Started in Uttar Pradesh
The ODOP scheme was launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2018 by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Its objective was to promote traditional and distinctive products from each district through modern technology, training, financial support and market opportunities.
Products such as Banarasi sarees, Moradabad brassware, Bhadohi carpets, Firozabad glass products and Saharanpur wood carvings received a boost under the initiative.
The Central Government later adopted the model at the national level. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in coordination with states, began identifying distinctive products from different districts.
Focus on Boosting Exports
ODOP has also been linked with the Districts as Export Hubs initiative. According to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, products and services with export potential have been identified in 734 districts.
State and District Export Promotion Committees have been formed across all 36 states and Union Territories. So far, 249 District Export Action Plans have also been prepared.
These plans focus on production, quality, packaging, logistics, marketing and other aspects related to exports.
Dedicated ODOP Storefront on GeM
The government has created a dedicated ODOP storefront on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). More than 1,300 products across over 500 categories are available on the platform.
Several states have also launched their own e-commerce platforms, enabling small businesses and artisans to reach customers directly.
National trade fairs, exhibitions and buyer-seller meetings are also being used to provide local products with access to new markets.
Indian Products Reaching Global Markets
The ODOP initiative is also promoting traditional Indian products in international markets. ODOP Walls have been established at Indian embassies, while exhibitions showcasing these products are being organised in several countries.
ODOP products are now being sold at two international retail stores in Singapore and one in Kuwait. They are also being included among official gifts presented to foreign delegates.
The initiative is helping connect local artisans, weavers, farmers, women self-help groups and small entrepreneurs with markets. It is also aimed at strengthening the economic identity of districts and creating greater opportunities for local income and employment.
