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Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to launch the 'One District-One Cuisine (ODOC)' scheme with the aim of giving global recognition to the rich and diverse food tradition of the state. After the success of 'One District-One Product (ODOP)' scheme, now the traditional cuisine of Uttar Pradesh will be established at the national and international level through organized branding.

The basis of ODOC will become the separate identity of every district

The Chief Minister said that every district of the state should emerge with its own unique taste, culture and identity, this is the basic objective of the ODOC scheme. This initiative will become a medium to convert the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh into economic power.

Traditional dishes are the identity of heritage and economy

Giving examples, the Chief Minister said that Sonpapadi of Mainpuri, Peda of Mathura, Chamcham of Aligarh, Rabdi of Hathras, Kalakand and Moong Dalma of Kasganj, Chicory of Etah, Puri of Kadaha and Kohda Sabzi of Sultanpur, Chandrakala Sweets of Barabanki, White Carrot Halwa of Azamgarh, Clove of Varanasi, Clove of Bareilly, Dishes like Vermicelli, Samosa of Amethi, Sirka of Basti and Ramkatori of Siddharthnagar represent not just food but local heritage, skills and economy. By providing quality, identity and market to these dishes, the cultural strength of the state will be converted into economic strength.

ODOC will be implemented on the lines of ODOP

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that the ODOC scheme should be implemented at the grassroots level like the ODOP model, so that traditional artisans, confectioners and small entrepreneurs can get sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Quality, hygiene and food safety top priority

The Chief Minister clarified that quality, cleanliness and food safety will be given top priority under the scheme. All products will be certified as per food safety standards. Along with this, emphasis was also laid on encouraging GI tagging, protecting the identity of local cuisine and developing taste-based variety as per the preferences of modern consumers.

Focus on cuisine cluster and branding

The Chief Minister said that under ODOC, specific dishes of each district should be identified and developed as cuisine clusters. Manufacturers and sellers will be given incentives for branding, technology, packaging and marketing of traditional dishes.

Employment, tourism and exports will get a boost

The meeting was informed that the plan includes preservation of traditional cuisine, boost to local economy, employment generation, strengthening value-chain and market linkages and integration with tourism and hospitality sectors. Along with this, work will also be done on the strategy of increasing export capacity and preparing products for the international market.

ODOC Branding and Logo Strategy

It was informed in the meeting that as part of the branding strategy, district-specific colours, symbols and styles will be added to the ODOC logo. Each dish will be accompanied by a product story and identity tag reflecting its culture, history and recipe.

Emphasis on modern and eco-friendly packaging

Special attention will be given to packaging. Traceability and consumer information will be ensured through food-grade and eco-friendly packaging, modern technology to extend shelf-life, QR codes, nutrition labels, barcodes and dual-language labeling. Regional and festival-themed packaging designs will also be developed.

'Vocal for Local' will get new momentum

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the ODOC scheme will give a new impetus to 'Vocal for Local' and put the culinary heritage of Uttar Pradesh on the global food map. He directed that this initiative should not remain just a scheme but should become a strong medium of cultural identity, economic empowerment and employment generation of the state.