How UP's ODOP Scheme Is Taking Local Artisans and Traditional Crafts to Global Markets

The Uttar Pradesh government's One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has emerged as one of the state's flagship programmes for promoting traditional industries, generating employment and expanding exports.

Launched in 2018, the scheme focuses on identifying one signature product from each district while supporting artisans and entrepreneurs through financial assistance, skill development, branding, marketing and easier access to domestic and international markets.

According to the state government, the programme has helped generate more than 3.16 lakh jobs while significantly increasing Uttar Pradesh's export footprint.

What Is the ODOP Scheme?

The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme aims to revive traditional crafts and district-specific industries that have long been associated with Uttar Pradesh's cultural and economic identity.

Under the initiative, artisans and small entrepreneurs receive:

• Skill development training.
• Free toolkits.
• Financial assistance.
• Marketing and branding support.
• Access to exhibitions and trade fairs.
• Opportunities through e-commerce platforms.

The objective is to help local businesses compete in national and global markets while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Export Growth Under the Programme

According to official figures, Uttar Pradesh's exports have increased from Rs 86,000 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 1.84 lakh crore, with nearly 50% of exports now consisting of ODOP and handicraft products.

The government says products that were once sold mainly in local markets are now reaching customers across India and overseas through improved branding, packaging and digital commerce.

Employment and Skill Development

The state government says the programme has delivered significant employment gains.

According to official data:

• More than 1.46 lakh artisans have received skill training.
• Over 20,000 entrepreneurs have directly benefited.
• More than 3.16 lakh employment opportunities have been created.

During the 2026-27 Budget Session, Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan said the scheme has evolved beyond product branding into an initiative supporting the broader economic revival of artisans across the state.

District Products Driving UP's Identity

Each district under the ODOP programme is promoted through its unique traditional product.

Some notable examples include:

• Agra – Leather goods and marble products.
• Aligarh – Locks.
• Azamgarh – Black pottery.
• Ayodhya – Jaggery.
• Kannauj – Perfume.
• Varanasi – Silk sarees.
• Moradabad – Brass and metal crafts.
• Saharanpur – Wooden furniture.

The initiative aims to preserve these regional specialities while creating larger commercial opportunities for local producers.

GI Tags Strengthen Global Recognition

The government also highlighted the growing number of Geographical Indication (GI) registrations.

According to official figures, 79 products from Uttar Pradesh have received GI tags, strengthening their authenticity and international recognition.

To further promote GI-certified products, the state has increased funding for GI promotion from Rs 145 crore to Rs 200 crore.

Artisans Report Improved Market Access

Several artisans have credited the scheme with improving business opportunities.

Padma Shri awardee Dilshad Hussain from Moradabad said marketing support and participation in exhibitions have increased international demand for the city's brass products.

Furniture artisan Jitendra Saini from Amroha said easier access to finance has enabled many craftsmen to invest in machinery and expand production.

Entrepreneur Amit Goyal noted that locally manufactured wooden handicrafts are now reaching customers across India and international markets through exhibitions and online platforms.

Exporter Firoz Ahmad said better branding, packaging and quality improvements have strengthened demand for products such as Moradabad metal crafts, Bhadohi carpets, Kannauj perfumes, Varanasi silk sarees and Aligarh locks.

From "BIMARU" to Manufacturing Hub

The state government says the ODOP programme has contributed to Uttar Pradesh's transition into a growing manufacturing and export centre.

Officials argue the initiative has helped revive traditional industries while improving incomes for artisans and creating new employment opportunities across rural and urban districts.

Featured Snippet

The Uttar Pradesh government's One District One Product (ODOP) scheme promotes one signature product from every district by providing artisans with training, financial support, branding and market access. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has created over 3 lakh jobs and helped significantly increase the state's exports.

Key Highlights

• Uttar Pradesh launched the ODOP scheme in 2018 to promote district-specific products.
• The programme has generated over 3.16 lakh employment opportunities.
• More than 1.46 lakh artisans have received skill development training.
• Uttar Pradesh's exports have increased to Rs 1.84 lakh crore.
• Nearly half of the state's exports now comprise ODOP and handicraft products.
• Seventy-nine UP products have received GI tags, strengthening global recognition.

Conclusion

The One District One Product scheme has become a central pillar of Uttar Pradesh's efforts to strengthen traditional industries, improve artisan livelihoods and expand exports. By combining skill development, branding, financial assistance and market access, the programme aims to preserve regional craftsmanship while helping local businesses compete on national and international platforms.

FAQs

1. What is the UP ODOP Scheme?

The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme promotes one signature product from each district of Uttar Pradesh by supporting artisans and small businesses.

2. When was the ODOP scheme launched?

The Uttar Pradesh government launched the programme in 2018.

3. How many jobs has the scheme created?

According to official figures, the initiative has generated more than 3.16 lakh employment opportunities.

4. How has the scheme impacted exports?

Uttar Pradesh's exports have risen from Rs 86,000 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 1.84 lakh crore, with ODOP products contributing significantly.

5. What support do artisans receive under ODOP?

Artisans receive skill training, free toolkits, financial assistance, branding support, marketing opportunities and access to exhibitions and e-commerce platforms.

6. Which products are promoted under the scheme?

Products include Varanasi silk sarees, Kannauj perfumes, Moradabad brass crafts, Aligarh locks, Azamgarh black pottery, Saharanpur furniture and many other district-specific traditional products.