After the success of ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP), the Uttar Pradesh government has now approved the ‘One District One Cuisine’ (ODOP-Food) scheme. The objective of this scheme is to recognize the traditional dishes of every district and to take them to the national and international markets. The government’s focus is on increasing employment and strengthening small businessmen by branding local food products.
Subsidy and financial help up to 20 lakhs
The biggest feature of this scheme is financial assistance. The government will provide subsidy to entrepreneurs up to 25% of the total project cost, the maximum limit of which has been fixed at Rs 20 lakh. For this, a provision of about Rs 150 crore has been made in the budget of 2026-27. This will provide great support to small businessmen, confectioners and food startups.
Training and Marketing Support
Under the scheme, not only money but also technical training will be provided. People associated with food business will be given training in modern packaging, quality control and marketing. Along with this, their products will be made available in the market through fairs, festivals and exhibitions, which will increase both sales and recognition.
Special committees in districts
To make the scheme effective, committees will be formed in every district under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate. These will include experts from universities, technical institutes and tourism departments. These committees will select local dishes and prepare a strategy for their development.
Emphasis on increasing employment and income
This initiative will not only give new life to traditional dishes but will also create employment opportunities on a large scale. The ODOP scheme has already provided employment to lakhs of people, and now with the addition of the food sector, this scope will increase further.
Brand UP will get a new dimension
The aim of the government is to move the state forward in the direction of “Local to Global”. Through better branding, packaging and quality improvement, traditional dishes of Uttar Pradesh will be able to find their place in the international market also. This will also boost tourism and give a new impetus to the state’s economy.
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