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In a significant move towards promoting economic growth, generating employment and fostering rural entrepreneurship, the Central Government’s “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative has taken root in Goa.
The state government, in collaboration with Invest India, is embarking on a pioneering project—the establishment of a ‘Unity Mall.’ To support the initiative, the Government of India has allocated INR 100 crore for the Unity Mall project.
This retail space, which was created after its announcement in the Union budget this year, aims to serve as a comprehensive destination for visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of the state, showcasing its diverse range of handicrafts, art, and cultural heritage.
A ODOP review meeting was held in Goa with Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry who extended his encouragement and support to the state for the Unity Mall Project.
Parkash, along with Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Tourism of Goa, engaged in a discussion regarding the project. Khaunte shared that the project aims to empower and promote unique indigenous products and artisans from Goa and across the country.
Emphasising the significance of the ODOP scheme, Parkash urged the Government of Goa to finalise the mall proposal promptly. To which, Khaunte further assured that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Unity Mall would be finalised within a month, signaling the project’s swift progress.
The meeting also covered updates on various capacity building initiatives under ODOP and interventions to enhance tourism and foster economic growth.
Both ministers emphasised the need for collaborative efforts and effective implementation strategies to ensure the project’s success and to uplift the local communities and showcase their talents on a broader scale.
The UN High-Level Forum, focusing on the tourism sector’s role in SDG acceleration, is scheduled this week at the UN headquarters. It holds significance for India’s Ministry of Tourism as discussions at the roundtable will also centre on the recently developed Goa Roadmap for Tourism. The high-level roundtable will involve ministers and leaders from the public and private sectors, including India’s Union Tourism Minister GK Reddy.
The Unity Mall in Goa will feature offerings under the ODOP, highlighting the specialties of each district. In North Goa district, Cashew nuts have been identified as Product one, while Feni has been designated as Product two. In the South Goa district, the positions are reversed, with Feni identified as Product one and Cashew nuts as Product two. As per the state officials, these designations aim to emphasise and reinforce the unique identities and distinct specialties of each district.The ODOP initiative also caught the attention of the foreign delegates during the ongoing G20 meetings. Live demonstrations of local arts and handicrafts through DIY bazaar and farewell gifts reflecting the One District One Product initiative were given to the delegates.
The 4th G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting held in Goa in June further highlighted the display of millet-based products and local cuisine, the products covered under the ODOP initiative.
The Ministry of Tourism curated a wide variety of gastronomic experiences, aiming to leave a lasting impression on the foreign delegates. The culinary landscape at the event venue, Cidade De Goa, showcased a mix of international, oriental, Goan, millet, and regional-themed sections.
Besides this, the ODOP products were actively endorsed during the Ministry of Tourism’s previous Tourism Working Group Meetings. In Siliguri, the promotion of local products from West Bengal was a key highlight. Delegates were presented with souvenirs from the ODOP list, including a Wooden Owl set from Burdwan District, Dokra GI Hook fish from Bankura District, Banglshree Silk Pocket Square from Malda District, and Chitpore Attar from Kalimpong District.
Similarly, in Srinagar, delegates were given local products from Jammu and Kashmir’s ODOP list, which featured items such as Paper Mache Boxes adorned with common themes, saffron from Pampore – Srinagar, Kawa cups, Brass Spoons and walnuts sourced from Anantnag, Shopian, and Kupwara districts, renowned for their quality and popularity both within India and internationally.
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