Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking on Monday, revealed that the Centre will soon issue fresh guidelines focused on expanding new markets, introducing new products, and encouraging first-time exporters. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the Ministry and districts to support these goals through the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
“The Ministry and districts can work together to promote One District One Product (ODOP) items in newer markets and support first-time exporters,” Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated.
Goyal emphasized that 773 districts across India have played a crucial role in the country's economic rise, calling India:
“an oasis in a desert in a tumultuous world and... the fastest-growing large economy in the world today.”
He reiterated that India is on track to become the third-largest global economy by 2027 and stressed that Indian products — from Wayanad’s coffee to Ratnagiri mangoes and Pulwama’s saffron — represent the vast export potential of local goods.
Describing One District One Product as a “unique initiative, unmatched by any other country,” Goyal said:
“Each district brings a different kind of legacy.”
He noted that in some cases, two products from a district may need recognition under ODOP, as India’s local offerings are now gaining global exposure.
Goyal revealed that 64 out of 87 ODOP-identified products fall under the Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, and notably:
“All 38 districts of Bihar have achieved 100 per cent coverage of products under ODOP.”
He added that Bihar has been designated Category A under this initiative and has fully integrated ODOP into its economic and industrial policy frameworks.
Goyal urged stakeholders to actively support the initiative:
“Take a pledge to make ODOP a driving force for prosperity in their districts through their unique products.”
This emphasis signals a strategic shift in India’s export policy, aligning grassroots production with global demand.
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is a transformative program in India aimed at fostering balanced regional development by identifying, branding, and promoting a unique product from each district across the country. The core idea is to leverage the specific strengths and traditional expertise of each district to boost local economies, generate employment, and enhance the market visibility of indigenous goods.
The concept of "One District One Product" is inspired by similar successful models globally, such as Japan's "One Village One Product (OVOP)" movement, which originated in 1979.
In India, the ODOP journey began in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The Government of Uttar Pradesh officially launched the ODOP Programme on January 24, 2018, on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Divas. It was a comprehensive strategy to encourage the domestic production and sale of specialized products and crafts unique to each of UP's 75 districts.
Following the success and positive impact observed in Uttar Pradesh, the Government of India adopted the ODOP initiative as a national program. It is now a key component of the Prime Minister's vision for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) and 'Vocal for Local'. The national ODOP initiative is operationally merged with the 'Districts as Export Hub (DEH)' initiative of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce.
The ODOP scheme operates on a multi-pronged approach to support the identified products and their associated industries:
Product Identification: Each district identifies a unique product that has potential for growth, innovation, and market expansion. This selection is typically based on the district's historical, cultural, and economic significance, often including products traditionally famous for their production or those with Geographical Indication (GI) tags. The identified products span various sectors, including:
Food Processing
Handicrafts
Textiles and Handlooms
Manufacturing and Minerals
Support Schemes and Interventions: The initiative provides comprehensive support through various schemes and programs:
Infrastructure Development: Supports the development of clusters and related infrastructure for the identified products.
The primary objectives of the ODOP initiative are:
The ODOP scheme has shown significant positive impacts:
Revitalization of Traditional Crafts: Many traditional crafts and industries that were on the verge of extinction due to competition or lack of patronage have been revived (e.g., Lucknow's Chikankari, Moradabad's Brassware).
Infrastructure Development: Establishment of Common Facility Centres (CFCs) has provided crucial support for quality enhancement and scalability.
Many districts across India have identified and successfully promoted their unique products under the ODOP scheme. Some prominent examples include:
Uttar Pradesh:
Varanasi: Banarasi Silk Sarees
Jammu & Kashmir: Saffron (Pulwama), Willow Wicker (Ganderbal)
Maharashtra: Alphonso Mangoes (Ratnagiri), Nagpur Oranges (Nagpur), Grapes/Raisins (Nashik)
Kerala: Coffee (Wayanad)
Rajasthan: Blue Pottery (Jaipur), Bandhej (Tie & Dye)
Gujarat: Patola Silk (Patan)
The ODOP initiative is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage, diverse industrial base, and commitment to leveraging local strengths for national economic growth. It continues to be a cornerstone of the government's strategy for grassroots development and export promotion.
India’s upcoming export guidelines mark a decisive step toward inclusive, grassroots-driven growth. By promoting first-time exporters, expanding market access, and showcasing district-specific products, the Centre is laying the groundwork for a more equitable and diversified export economy. As states like Bihar demonstrate full ODOP implementation, the path ahead points to a more self-reliant India, with each district contributing to the nation's global footprint.