One District One Product (ODOP)

Source: The post “One District One Product (ODOP)” has been created, based on “One District One Product (ODOP)” published in “PIB” on 24th January 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Economy 

Context: One District One Product (ODOP) initiative was launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2018. It identifies one unique product from each district and provides it with branding, market access, institutional support, and visibility. It aims to empower local artisans, revive traditional skills, create livelihoods, and promote district-specific economic growth. Moradabad’s brassware was the first product recognized, which later reached international markets.

Objectives of ODOP

1. Balanced Regional Development: Reduce regional disparities by leveraging local resources and skills.
2. Empowerment of Artisans and Producers: Provide training, modern toolkits, and institutional support to artisans, farmers, and weavers.
3. Promotion of Exports: Integrate districts with global markets, enhancing India’s export portfolio.
4. Preservation of Heritage: Protect traditional crafts and cultural identity.
5. Job Creation & Rural Entrepreneurship: Generate livelihoods under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
6. Alignment with National Missions: Supports Make in India, Vocal for Local, and Districts as Export Hub.

Key Features

1. It is governed collaboratively by DPIIT, state governments, and district administrations.
2. Products are selected based on existing local ecosystem.
3. Over 1,200 products listed across sectors like textiles, handicrafts, minerals, and food.
4. Digital Market Access: Products showcased through GeM-ODOP Bazaar and state e-commerce portals.
5. PM Ekta Malls: National hubs to promote ODOP and GI-tagged products, with ₹5,000 crore support, experience zones, and retail spaces for every state/UT.

Impact of ODOP:

In Uttar Pradesh (Pioneer State):

1. Exports rose by 76% (₹88,967 Cr in 2017-18 → ₹1.71 Lakh Cr in 2023-24).
2. ₹6,000 crore projects sanctioned under ODOP Margin Money Scheme.
3. Over 1.25 crore artisans trained with modern toolkits.
4. UPITS 2025 & Mahakumbh 2025: Boosted national and global visibility for 466 ODOP stalls, GI-tagged products, and regional crafts.

National Level:

1. Scaled to 770+ districts, impacting millions of entrepreneurs, artisans, and farmers.
2. Global Recognition: ODOP products promoted through 80+ Indian missions, G-20 gifting, and stores in Singapore and Kuwait.

Significance:

1. It converts traditional skills into sustainable economic engines.
2. It promotes inclusive growth, rural employment, and international trade.
3. It strengthens India’s cultural identity and global brand.
4. It bridges local heritage with modern development goals, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Challenges in Implementing ODOP:

1. Awareness and Outreach Deficit: Many local communities, including artisans, farmers, and producers, are unaware of their district-specific products or the economic opportunities under ODOP. Limited marketing skills and exposure restrict participation.
2. Infrastructure Gaps: Poor transport networks, inadequate storage, lack of processing units, and weak logistics hamper efficient production, distribution, and market access.
3. Limited Market Access: ODOP products often struggle to reach regional, national, and international markets due to weak supply chains, absence of dedicated marketing platforms, and lack of e-commerce integration.
4. Skill and Quality Constraints: Artisans may lack modern design, production, packaging, and marketing skills, affecting product quality and competitiveness.
5. Resource and Funding Challenges: Unequal or insufficient allocation of financial and technical resources can delay implementation and reduce the scheme’s effectiveness.
6. Sustainability Issues: ODOP initiatives may face difficulties in scaling successful products, maintaining momentum, and ensuring long-term viability.
7. Competition and Differentiation: ODOP products face competition from mass-produced or similar items from other regions, making branding and differentiation crucial.

Way Forward:

1. Awareness and Capacity Building: Conduct campaigns and workshops at district levels to educate communities about ODOP benefits, cultural significance, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
2. Infrastructure Development: Invest in transportation, storage, packaging, and processing facilities to strengthen supply chains and enable efficient distribution.
3. Market Access and Digital Integration: Facilitate linkages with domestic and international markets, establish e-commerce platforms, and promote ODOP products through trade fairs, exhibitions, and Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
4. Skill Development and Quality Enhancement: Provide training in modern design, craftsmanship, quality control, branding, and sustainable production practices to improve competitiveness.
5. Transparent Resource Allocation: Ensure equitable distribution of financial and technical support, coupled with monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
6. Branding and Promotion: Develop a strong national and global brand identity for district-specific products to differentiate them from competitors.
7. Sustainability and Scaling: Encourage long-term planning, integration with tourism, exports, and entrepreneurship programs to sustain and scale successful ODOP initiatives.
8. Stakeholder Collaboration: Promote coordination among central/state governments, local authorities, trade bodies, and artisans for smooth implementation and monitoring.

Conclusion: ODOP has transformed local streets into global shelves, turning artisan aspirations into economic opportunities. From Moradabad’s brassware to PM Ekta Malls and international stores, the initiative exemplifies how district-level products can achieve national pride and global outreach.

Question: One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has transformed India’s local economies and traditional crafts. Discuss its objectives, impact, and global outreach.

Source: PIB