ODOP MDA Program Provides Support to Artisans in Uttar Pradesh for Exhibitions

Culinary traditions vary significantly across different districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and local dishes and food products form part of the cultural identity of these regions. The state government has developed a framework to identify and popularize these dietary traditions at the district level by launching the One District One Cuisine (ODOC) program.

This program differs from the One District One Product (ODOP) program, which focuses on products at the district level across various sectors, including handicrafts, textiles, food processing, and other industries.

The ODOC program was launched by Home Minister Amit Shah on January 24, 2026, on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day in Lucknow. Under this initiative, traditional dishes associated with the districts of Uttar Pradesh will be identified and linked to improvements in quality, branding, and market access.

The main goal of this initiative is to take local culinary traditions beyond their traditional and geographical boundaries, giving them a new identity. The government plans that this way, local tastes will gain recognition at regional, national, and even global levels. Although the goal of market expansion is in its initial stages, efforts towards achieving it are ongoing.

The essence is to give local culinary traditions more recognition by moving beyond their current geographical market. The government presented this initiative as a way for local tastes to gain recognition at regional, national, and world levels. However, this is currently just the program's objective, which does not mean that market expansion has already occurred.

There are only 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh, and ODOC is designed to identify unique traditional dishes associated with each district. During this district survey, 208 traditional dishes were identified across the state. Since some districts include more than one dish in this list, the figure of 208 does not mean that only one dish has been selected for each district.

These identified products include diverse traditional cooking methods and local characteristics. Thus, this initiative looks broadly at culinary identity rather than viewing the cuisine of each district as a single product.

According to the government statement, ODOC links the identification of traditional dishes with improvements in quality, branding, and market access. This means the program is not limited to simply compiling a list of traditional dishes. The described structure also provides guidance on how best to present these products and how to deliver them to large markets.

Nevertheless, it cannot be assumed that this program guarantees commercial success for every food business associated with an identified dish. Market demand, production capacity, adherence to food safety regulations, quality, packaging, and distribution will determine whether any product or business can develop.

ODOC is a new program included in the Uttar Pradesh government budget for 2026-27. The state's budget documents for this fiscal year allocate 75 crore rupees to the One District One Cuisine program. This amount of 75 crore rupees represents the budgetary provision for implementing the program. Until specific guidelines are established for beneficiaries, this amount cannot be considered a subsidy or direct financial aid for any individual food business.

One of the goals set by ODOC is the link between district-level traditional dishes, market access, and branding. The government has also connected this initiative with the broader promotion of Uttar Pradesh's culinary heritage. Local producers and food enterprises may have the opportunity to present their traditional products to new consumers, taking them beyond the existing market through improved branding and market access. However, the actual commercial impact will depend on how various products are developed, standardized, placed, and distributed.

It is important to understand that ODOC creates a governmental structure for identifying and promoting regional dishes, but it does not guarantee increased income, exports, or market expansion for every producer on its own.

ODOC establishes a framework for registering and promoting traditional food from various parts of Uttar Pradesh. The implementation method focuses primarily on identifying local dishes and linking them to improvements in quality, branding, and market access. Launched in January 2026, this program is a new addition to the state's district-oriented economic and cultural initiatives. Food businesses...

Agra, primarily known for the Taj Mahal, is also famous for manufacturing shoes, slippers, and other leather products. Previously, this work was limited to small homes and workshops, but now it is transforming the lives of thousands of people. The main reason for this change is the Uttar Pradesh government's 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) scheme. This scheme has provided artisans with training, modern machinery, financial assistance, and market access, which is positively impacting their income.

Agra is one of the major footwear hubs in the country, where manufactured shoes and leather goods are exported not only within India but also internationally. According to Anuj Kumar Singh, Joint Commissioner of the industry, ODOP is not just a scheme but a group of several schemes. Initially, Agra was selected for leather and stone and marble handicrafts, after which non-leather footwear was also included in it.

Currently, leather products worth about ₹4,000 crore are exported from Agra. Around 150 export units are associated with this industry, and the livelihoods of 4 to 5 lakh people depend on this trade.

The true strength of any industry lies not in its machines, but in the people who drive it forward. With this thought in mind, a Common Facility Centre has been established in Nawada village on Shamshabad Road. Here, youth are trained in cutting, stitching, finishing, packaging, and working on modern machinery. The center is not limited to teaching skills; it also shows entrepreneurs the path to start their own businesses. Trainer Akash Tomar states that many young people who came to the center had never worked on a machine before, but now they are preparing products that are sold in the market.

The objective of the ODOP scheme is not just to teach skills. Under this scheme, artisans can receive loans from banks, subsidies of 10 to 25 percent, and assistance of up to ₹5 lakh under the Chief Minister Youth Entrepreneur Scheme. Additionally, they get opportunities for toolkits, sewing machines, and participation in exhibitions held across the country. The effort is to ensure that artisans start their own enterprises instead of looking for jobs.

The young women training at the Common Facility Centre present the most inspiring picture of this initiative. Some are making bags, some are preparing purses, and some are working on wallets. Many women are making such products with their own hands for the first time that are sold in the market. Lakshmi, who is undergoing training, says that she never imagined before that she would be able to make such products herself. After three months of training, she has gained confidence, and now she believes she can become self-reliant.

In conclusion, Agra's identity is not limited to the Taj Mahal; the skilled artisans of this city are also a great strength. The ODOP scheme has successfully connected these hands with new technology, training, and the market. The result is clearly visible in the income of the artisans, their confidence, and the overall business. This change shows that if skills are given proper opportunities, artisans from small towns can also make their mark nationally and globally.