From local markets to global shelves: Yogi government gives UP artisans new future

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 11, 2026 11:19 IST

The Yogi Adityanath government’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has transformed Uttar Pradesh from a once "BIMARU" state into a manufacturing and export hub by reviving traditional industries, creating over 3 lakh jobs and taking local products to global markets.

Launched in 2018, the scheme seeks to identify and promote one signature product from each district while providing artisans and entrepreneurs with skill training, free toolkits, financial assistance, branding support and market access.

The initiative aims to revive traditional crafts and help small-scale producers compete in national and international markets.

The state government said Uttar Pradesh, once considered a "BIMARU" state, is now emerging as one of India's largest manufacturing and export hubs. Products that were once confined to local markets due to limited branding and marketing are now reaching buyers across the country and overseas.

BIMARU is an acronym coined by noted demographer Ashish Bose in the 1980s for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and refers to states that historically lagged in economic growth, healthcare, literacy and population control. The term is derived from the Hindi word bimar, meaning "sick."

According to official figures, more than 1.46 lakh artisans have received training under the scheme over the past nine years, while over 20,000 entrepreneurs have directly benefited. The government also said the initiative has generated employment opportunities for over 3.16 lakh people.

During the 2026-27 Budget session, Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan told the Assembly that the ODOP scheme has evolved beyond product branding into a programme that has laid the foundation for the social and economic revival of artisans. He said the initiative has helped elevate Uttar Pradesh's products in international markets.

The state government said Uttar Pradesh's exports have risen from Rs 86,000 crore in 2017-18 to a record Rs 1.84 lakh crore, with nearly 50% of the exports now comprising ODOP and handicraft products.

Each district under the scheme is promoted for its unique product, including Agra's leather and marble goods, Aligarh's locks, Azamgarh's black pottery, Ayodhya's jaggery, Kannauj's perfume, Varanasi's silk sarees, Moradabad's metal crafts and Saharanpur's furniture.

Officials said the initiative has enabled artisans from villages and small towns to access larger markets through improved packaging, branding, exhibitions, e-commerce platforms and trade fairs.

The government also said 79 products from Uttar Pradesh have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, strengthening their identity in global markets. To support GI promotion, the state has increased the allocation from Rs 145 crore to Rs 200 crore.

Padma Shri awardee Dilshad Hussain from Moradabad said the ODOP scheme has significantly expanded the reach of the city's brass industry by providing marketing support, branding opportunities and participation in exhibitions, resulting in higher international demand.

In Amroha, furniture artisan Jitendra Saini said the inclusion of metal and wooden handicrafts under ODOP doubled the income of many artisans by improving access to finance for machinery, raw materials and business expansion.

Entrepreneur Amit Goyal said local wooden handicrafts are now being sold across India and abroad through online platforms and exhibitions.

Exporter Firoz Ahmad said better quality, packaging and branding have helped products such as Moradabad's metal crafts, Bhadohi carpets, Kannauj perfumes, Varanasi silk sarees and Aligarh locks strengthen Uttar Pradesh's footprint in global markets.

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