Lucknow,

04 May (HS): While giving information about the decisions of the Council of

Ministers on Monday, the state's Minister for Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises, Khadi and Village Industries, Silk Industry, Handloom and Textile

Industry, Rakesh Sachan said that after the success of 'One District One

Product' (ODOP), the Yogi government has now approved the 'One District Cuisine’

(ODOP-Food) scheme.

Minister

Sachan stated that the objective of this ambitious scheme is to bring national

and international recognition to the traditional and distinctive dishes of each

district of the state. Under this initiative, renowned dishes will be

identified by district and preserved, protected, and standardized. Special

attention will also be paid to improving their quality, packaging, branding,

and extending their shelf life.

He

said that under the scheme, related artisans, confectioners, food

entrepreneurs, and workers will receive technical training and will be provided

with markets through various fairs, festivals, and exhibitions. This will not

only give a new identity to traditional cuisine but will also create employment

and increase the income of artisans.

Minister

Sachan stated that a committee chaired by the District Magistrate will be

formed at the district level to implement the scheme, including representatives

from universities, technical institutions, the Food Department, and the Tourism

Department. This committee will ensure the selection and development of recipes

by taking suggestions from the local level. He stated that the government will

also provide financial assistance for this scheme, providing entrepreneurs with

a 25 percent grant (maximum Rs. 20 lakh). A provision of Rs. 150 crore has been

made for this scheme in the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Minister

Sachan also informed that a state-level conference of food vendors and Halwais

of the state will be organised soon in Lucknow, in which information on

packaging, quality and modern marketing will be given through technical

sessions and an exhibition of traditional dishes will also be organised.

Additionally,

the Cabinet, taking a significant decision to promote the textile sector in the

state, approved the transfer of land belonging to spinning mills located in

various districts—Amroha, Baheri (Bareilly), Sant Kabir Nagar, and Nagina

(Bijnor)—to the Textile Department. Textile parks will be developed at these

locations, generating large-scale investment and employment opportunities.

Minister Rakesh Sachan stated that the Yogi government is continuously working

to strengthen the concept of Brand UP in the state. The One

District One Cuisine scheme and the establishment of textile parks will

give the state's traditional heritage a new identity and accelerate industrial

development.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi