Uttar Pradesh's ODOP Scheme Drives Major Employment and Export Growth
In a significant announcement during the Budget Session 2026-27, Uttar Pradesh's MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan highlighted the transformative impact of the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme. The initiative has generated an impressive 3.16 lakh jobs since its launch in 2018 while playing a pivotal role in nearly doubling the state's exports over the past eight years.
Export Figures Show Remarkable Expansion
The state's exports have surged from Rs 86,000 crore in the 2017-18 fiscal year to Rs 1.86 lakh crore at present. Minister Sachan emphasized that approximately 50% of this export contribution can be directly attributed to products promoted under the ODOP scheme and traditional handicrafts. "The scheme has emerged as a key driver of employment and export growth by promoting traditional products and artisans across districts," he stated during his legislative address.
Comprehensive Support for Artisans and Skill Development
The government has implemented multiple support mechanisms to empower local artisans:
- Free training and tool kits have been provided to 1.31 lakh artisans to upgrade their skills and improve product quality
- In Saharanpur district alone, 2,275 artisans received advanced tool kits
- Margin money assistance worth Rs 16.26 crore was extended to 454 handicraft artists
Minister Sachan clarified that the scheme's benefits extend far beyond mere market linkage and branding. Artisans are now being covered under the Mukhyamantri Durghatana Beema Yojana, which provides accident insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, they are being linked to welfare initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat to strengthen their social security net.
Increased Financial Commitment and Global Recognition
The state government has substantially increased its financial backing for the ODOP program:
- In the previous budget, Rs 145 crore was allocated specifically for ODOP initiatives
- Of this amount, Rs 135 crore has already been disbursed as margin money support to beneficiaries
- For the current financial year, the allocation has been enhanced to Rs 200 crore
This financial commitment has yielded tangible results in global markets. Officials reported that 79 products from Uttar Pradesh have secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags, significantly boosting their branding and opening up new international market opportunities. The GI recognition has provided these traditional products with legal protection and enhanced their market value worldwide.
Cultural Preservation and Future Expansion
Describing ODOP as a "cultural and economic renaissance," Minister Sachan explained that the initiative provides a structured platform for district-specific products while simultaneously preserving traditional skills that might otherwise have been lost. The government is now expanding this successful concept through additional initiatives such as 'One District, One Cuisine' to further promote local identity and unlock tourism potential across Uttar Pradesh.
The comprehensive approach—combining financial support, skill development, social security, and global branding—has positioned the ODOP scheme as a model for regional economic development that other states might consider emulating.
