To strengthen rural economy, government launches one district, three products plan
Wide basket of agriculture and horticulture products, handlooms and handicrafts such as turmeric, ginger, maize, shawls, spices, Kangra tea, paintings, honey, ‘chulli’ oil and yak wool will be brought under the ambit of the initiative
In a one of kind initiative in the country, the Himachal Pradesh Government has introduced the one district, three products (ODTP) plan in the Budget to revitalise the rural economy by promoting local products.
Under the initiative, the government will identify three signature products from each district, based on their market potential and will then work towards strengthening the value chain, smarter branding and packaging, enhancing access to market for achieving higher returns on investment for the local manufacturers.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the vision of the government was to make Himachal a self-reliant state and the one district, three products plan would play a significant role in revitalising the rural economy.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that this initiative would unlock district-level strengths while creating sustainable livelihoods and providing a market platform to Himachal’s unique products.
He added that a wide basket of agriculture and horticulture products, handlooms and handicrafts such as turmeric, ginger, maize, shawls, spices, Kangra tea, paintings, honey, ‘chulli’ oil and yak wool etc would be brought under its ambit, each representing the state’s diverse agro-climatic and cultural landscape.
Chauhan said, “Beyond product promotion, the scheme is expected to act as a catalyst for rural entrepreneurship, with sharp focus on empowering artisans, women entrepreneurs, self-help groups and small producers. By improving supply chains and market linkages, the government aims to enhance competitiveness and boost incomes at the grass-roots level.”
He added, “A supportive policy framework, including graded incentives for ODTP products, is in the works and is expected to be rolled out shortly to ensure seamless implementation.”
RD Nazeem, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), said that the ODTP would institutionalise value-chain development and ensure focused policy support for local industries.
Yunus, Commissioner Industries, said that the emphasis would be on “last-mile delivery” so that benefits reach artisans, farmers and grass-roots level enterprises. “With the ODTP initiative, Himachal Pradesh intends to position its indigenous products on the global map while driving inclusive, rural-led growth,” he added.
