Tripura’s ODOP initiative records nationwide and global demand growth for indigenous products. From pineapple and handicrafts to agar goods, government-backed branding, marketing support, and upcoming Unity Mall aim to boost local entrepreneurs and economic development.
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has emerged as a major driver of economic growth in Tripura, with indigenous products from all eight districts witnessing steadily rising demand across India and in international markets. The flagship programme of the Government of India aims to identify, brand, and promote at least one unique product from each district, enabling local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to access wider markets while generating employment at the grassroots level.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, the ODOP scheme has significantly strengthened Tripura’s presence in the national economic landscape. From agro-based goods to traditional handicrafts, the state’s locally produced items are gaining recognition for their quality, cultural value, and sustainability.
To further boost the initiative, a workshop and exhibition was organised on Wednesday at the Hapania International Fair Ground in Agartala. The event was jointly conducted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The programme focused on strengthening institutional linkages with entrepreneurs and addressing challenges related to production, packaging, branding, and marketing.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Dipak Kumar, Director of the Tripura Industries and Commerce Department, said that ODOP products from all eight districts of the state are seeing growing nationwide demand. He highlighted that Tripura’s pineapple, Matabari peda, bamboo and cane handicrafts, and agar-based products are also making strong inroads into international markets.
Acknowledging existing challenges, particularly in packaging and marketing, Kumar assured stakeholders that the state government is taking concrete steps to support entrepreneurs. Dedicated cells will soon be established at District Industries Centres (DICs) in all eight districts to provide assistance in product cataloguing, modern packaging, branding, and market linkage. He further informed that work is underway to establish a Unity Mall in Agartala, which will serve as a permanent marketplace for ODOP entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products.
ODOP official Dipangana Singh said that the benefits of the scheme are not limited to registered ODOP entrepreneurs alone. Members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), including “Lakhpati Didi” beneficiaries and SHG federations, can also participate in national-level trade fairs, Saras Melas, and SHG exhibitions. She added that interested groups can directly approach the ODOP unit for technical and logistical support.
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Another official, Ishdeep Singh, said that similar workshops are being organised across the country in collaboration with PIB to promote ODOP products and empower local entrepreneurs through awareness and capacity-building initiatives.
Entrepreneurs from various sectors shared their success stories during the interactive session, while also highlighting challenges such as logistics, certification, and digital marketing. Their experiences underscored Tripura’s expanding footprint in domestic and global markets under the ODOP framework, reinforcing the initiative’s role in transforming local products into national and international brands.
