Virtual ODOP fair boon for Prayagraj manufactures

The virtual One District One Product (ODOP) fair, inaugurated recently by the state government, has come as a boon for small-scale manufactures of the district.

Of the 700 participants, there are 13 manufacturers from Prayagraj, who were struggling to keep their business afloat due to corona crisis. But with this virtual fair, they are now hopeful of finding new market, both nationally and globally.

Recently, the chief minister had inaugurated the ODOP virtual exhibition 2020, organised jointly by federation of chamber of commerce and industry (FICCI) and UP government.

Following the virtual exhibition, pasta, pickles, spices, decorative and household items made of Moonj (natural fibre) etc made in Prayagraj could find takers in the international market. People from all over the world now have the access to see these items made of moonj and place orders to purchase the same.

A special portal has been launched for the fair— http:/ vs.ficci.com/odop/ where buyers, visitors, sellers can all register themselves, take a virtual tour of the fair and review the products of any exhibit virtually. The portal also has live chat facility, apart from audio and video calls between buyers and sellers.

“Because of the corona crisis, small scale industries and artisans have suffered a lot and their business had come to standstill. Moreover, these local manufacturers used to sell their products in Haat, local exhibitions and small fairs, organised both the government and individual organisations. But because of corona, this entire segment of ready market has gone to docks because of which this virtual exhibition has become all the more important,” said Ajay Chaurasia, deputy commissioner (Industries), Prayagraj.