3 min readLucknowUpdated: Dec 6, 2025 09:15 AM IST
Yogi Adityanath said the aim of ODOP 2.0 is to ensure that the state’s traditional products become a strong foundation for larger markets, increased exports, and sustainable livelihoods (File photo).
‘One District, One Cuisine’ (ODOC) must be implemented to give each district a unified identity of its distinctive culinary heritage, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a meeting with senior officers on Friday.
He said, “The ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) initiative, now a defining feature of brand Uttar Pradesh, is set to advance to its next phase, ODOP 2.0, which will further boost local industries, self-employment, and exports…The aim of ODOP 2.0 is to ensure that the state’s traditional products become a strong foundation for larger markets, increased exports, and sustainable livelihoods.”
He added, “Every region of UP boasts a unique food tradition, some renowned for their halwa, others for their dalmoth.”
Mapping each district’s signature dishes, Yogi said, should be accompanied by efforts to improve their quality, hygiene, packaging, branding, and marketing. The Chief Minister said that together, ODOP and ODOC will put Uttar Pradesh firmly on the path of “local to global”.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening rural employment, as increased demand for ingredients such as grains, pulses, spices, milk, vegetables, and oils will benefit farmers directly, thereby supporting the rural economy.
The Chief Minister also instructed that ODOP products should not remain confined to traditional markets but integrated into major retail chains and modern marketplaces. He directed the establishment of dedicated ODOP sections in Unity Malls (PM Ekta Malls) being set up across various states and emphasised the need to coordinate with major retail networks to ensure prominent placement of Uttar Pradesh’s products.
Officials informed that over 1.25 lakh toolkits have been distributed, loans exceeding Rs 6,000 crore have been sanctioned, and more than 8,000 entrepreneurs have received direct marketing support.
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Thirty Common Facility Centres (CFCs) have been approved, and 44 ODOP products have been granted Geo tags. ODOP products are now sold on leading e-commerce platforms and account for more than 50% of the state’s total exports. The scheme has also earned a national award for the second consecutive year.
Speaking about ODOP 2.0, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of prioritising units and entrepreneurs who performed exceptionally well in the first phase, enabling them to further scale their businesses. He added that future plans must empower Uttar Pradesh’s products across four key areas: technology, packaging, quality, and market reach.
It was informed that ODOP products will receive certification and enhanced brand value through reputed institutions to further strengthen their identity. This will enable the state’s products to establish a distinctive presence in global markets.
Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution.
Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape.
Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More
