NEW DELHI, 19 October 2020: Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh today said that One District One Product (ODOP) program will not only give the state a new dimension in India and abroad but will also help in creating more jobs.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of ‘ODOP Virtual Exhibition 2020’, organized by FICCI, jointly with Govt of UP and EPCH, Adityanath said, “Uttar Pradesh is a land with lot of potential. With the help of FICCI and all stakeholders, we will be able to take the traditional products of Uttar Pradesh to international market. We will focus to ensure that through the Virtual Exhibition, not only the products get an easy market globally but the producer also gets the right price for it.”
Adityanath also said that the Virtual ODOP exhibition has been launched in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and we seek support from various embassies in India and Indian embassies based in other countries to promote this program. He stated that the government of India has also launched the ODOP program in many states in order to promote unique products of each state.
“Over 600 ODOP sellers are showcasing their products in the virtual exhibition along with the participation of buyers from 35 countries and over 1000 buyers. The initiatives launched with the support of FICCI and other stakeholders in 2018 like Investors Summit, Ground Breaking Ceremony, etc., are all progressing in the state,” Adityanath said.
He further said that during the pandemic and in the unlock phase, the State government has initiated a lot of programs to support the MSMEs. “Uttar Pradesh has 75 districts, and each district has its unique product which can be showcased to the world. By promoting the ODOP program, local artisans and small entrepreneurs will get better opportunities,” noted Adityanath.
Sidharth Nath Singh, Cabinet Minister MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi and Gram Udyog, Govt of UP said that this is the first time in India that this virtual ODOP exhibition has been organized where buyers from 35 countries have joined, making it a global exhibition. “Even during the pandemic, it was our endeavour to promote ODOP in international markets, and this virtual ODOP exhibition is one such initiative. We are working with the central government to promote it further. Various Councils like leather, engineering, handloom, apparel, carpet are also part of the exhibition,” he added.
Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said that Uttar Pradesh has diversified base of industries and the products of each district are famous. The ‘One district One Product’ (ODOP) scheme of the State Government aims to make these products global brands, raise their production significantly and handhold the artisans involved in it.
Rakesh Kumar, Director General, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) said that ODOP scheme is an ambitious project which will give new direction to the state’s products. With the use of technology, the ODOP program will further boost the livelihoods of the small entrepreneurs and artisans.
