Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a major initiative in Lucknow on Friday. He revealed that the Uttar Pradesh government will soon launch the One District One Cuisine scheme. This program aims to place the state's rich culinary heritage on the global food map.
Focus on Local Taste and Identity
The Chief Minister explained the core objective of the ODOC scheme. He stated that every district in Uttar Pradesh should showcase its unique taste, culture, and identity through distinct foods. This approach mirrors the successful One District One Product program.
Yogi Adityanath reviewed preparations for the scheme's launch. He emphasized the need for grassroots implementation. The goal is to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for traditional artisans, halwais, and small entrepreneurs.
Examples of District Specialties
The CM highlighted several traditional sweets and dishes from across Uttar Pradesh. He mentioned Mainpuri's sonpapdi, Mathura's peda, and Aligarh's chamcham. Other examples include Hathras' rabri, Kasganj's kalakand and moong dal dalma, and Etah's chikori.
Further specialties listed were Sultanpur's kadaha ki puri and pumpkin vegetable, Barabanki's chandrakala sweet, and Azamgarh's white carrot halwa. Varanasi's launglata, Bareilly's sewain, Amethi's samosa, Basti's sirka, and Siddharthnagar's ramkatori also received mention.
Yogi Adityanath stressed that these items represent more than just food. They embody local heritage, skills, and economic activity.
Quality and Safety Standards
The scheme will prioritize quality, cleanliness, and food safety. All products under ODOC will require certification according to established food safety standards. The Chief Minister also emphasized promoting Geographical Indication tagging. This step will help protect the identity of local dishes.
Development of Cuisine Clusters
Under the ODOC framework, unique dishes from each district will be identified. They will then be developed as cuisine clusters. The government plans to offer incentives to manufacturers and sellers. These incentives will support branding, technology adoption, packaging improvements, and marketing efforts for traditional dishes.
Comprehensive Branding Strategy
A detailed branding strategy will accompany the scheme. Packaging will feature district-specific colors, symbols, and styles alongside the ODOC logo. Each product will include a story and identity tag. This tag will showcase the dish's culture, history, and preparation method.
Packaging will use advanced techniques to increase shelf life. Materials will be food-grade and eco-friendly. The plan ensures traceability and consumer information through QR codes, nutrition labels, barcodes, and dual-language labeling. Regional and festival-themed packaging designs will also be developed.
Broader Economic and Social Goals
The ODOC scheme encompasses multiple objectives. It includes product preservation, promotion of the local economy, and expansion of food diversity. The program also aims to generate employment, strengthen value chains, and improve market linkages.
Integration with the tourism and hospitality sector forms a key component. The Chief Minister instructed officials to explore ways to increase export capacity. Products should be prepared to meet the expectations of international consumers.
Giving Momentum to Vocal for Local
Yogi Adityanath expressed confidence that the scheme would provide new momentum to the Vocal for Local initiative. He believes ODOC will firmly establish Uttar Pradesh's culinary heritage on national and international platforms through organized branding. This effort follows the significant role played by the ODOP scheme in strengthening Brand UP.
