State govt’s ODOP scheme boosting rural economy

worth Rs 24 crore have seen sold so far.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has issued an appeal to exchange articles of One District One Product (ODOP) as gifts on this Diwali.

According to the state government, financial assistance of around Rs 8200 crore has been provided to 2,600 entrepreneurs in the last three years under the ODOP scheme to boost rural economy and self-employment.

Besides, around 1442 entrepreneurs were given financial assistance and 15,253 people also got employment during 2019-20 financial year.

In the ongoing financial year, 236 entrepreneurs were given financial assistance of around Rs 8 crore till August last and 2,114 people were given employment, says the MSME department. Apart from this, in 2018-19 export of ODOP products increased by 28 percent to Rs 1.10 lakh crore.

“Problems of ODOP entrepreneurs are being addressed on priority. Along with this, they are also being provided with upgraded machines, training and financial assistance to make them technically efficient,” said Navneet Sehgal, additional chief secretary, MSME department.

“The ODOP scheme has helped create self-employment in rural areas across the state. It has given a much- needed boost to rural economy,” said Manmohan Agarwal, senior vice president, Indian Industries Association.

The MSME department has also arranged much needed training for artisans engaged in old wood carving industry of Saharanpur.

The state government had launched the ODOP scheme in January 2018. It has identified 75 products in as many districts that are indigenous. These products have made the respective districts famous.

World-famous carpets of Bhadohi, brassware of Moradabad, locks of Aligarh, famous black pottery of Mirzapur, crockery of Khurja, leather of Agra and Kanpur are among these products.

OVER 11000 PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ONLINE, MORE THAN 50,000 PRODUCTS WORTH RS 24 CR SOLD SO FAR