In a major push to transform its rich gastronomic legacy into an engine for economic development, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is rolling out an ambitious culinary project. The state plans to establish dedicated cuisine clusters across all 18 administrative divisions under the newly proposed One District–One Cuisine (ODOC) model.
Bridging Tradition with Modern Markets
The core vision of the ODOC initiative is to create a powerful link between the state's cultural heritage and contemporary economic opportunities. It aims to provide an organized identity, superior market access, and modern infrastructure to the unique traditional foods of each district. This model is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the vision of an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Uttar Pradesh.
Under this framework, signature dishes from every district will be carefully identified. They will then receive comprehensive support for quality improvement, attractive packaging, strategic marketing, and strong branding at both state and national levels. The goal is twofold: to preserve authentic, time-honored flavors while also presenting them in ways that appeal to modern consumers.
From Local Delicacies to National Brands
The plan specifically highlights turning beloved local specialties into recognizable food brands for Uttar Pradesh. Some of the iconic foods set for promotion include:
- Agra's petha
- Mathura's peda
- Gorakhpur's litti-chokha
- Kanpur's samosa
- Various regional versions of laddoo
These products will no longer be limited to their local markets. The government intends to promote them aggressively through e-commerce platforms, national and international food festivals, and key tourism hubs. This expanded reach is expected to significantly boost the state's food tourism profile.
Creating a Supportive Ecosystem for Growth
The ODOC cuisine cluster model is designed to be a holistic program that fosters entrepreneurship and creates jobs. It promises to extend support to food startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and local entrepreneurs. To build a robust backend infrastructure, the initiative will facilitate the development of:
- Food processing units
- Modern packaging facilities
- Reliable cold chain networks
- Quality testing labs
- Skill training programs
This infrastructure development is poised to generate substantial new employment opportunities, particularly for the youth and women of the state. Furthermore, the government plans to back the initiative with ease of doing business measures, single-window clearances, and supportive policies. This combination is anticipated to attract investment, spur employment, and ultimately establish Uttar Pradesh as a premier destination for culinary exploration.
