LUCKNOW – Following the success of its flagship “One District, One Product” (ODOP) initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government has officially rolled out the One District, One Cuisine (ODOC) scheme. Launched in January 2026, the program aims to identify, standardize, and promote a signature delicacy from each of the state’s 75 districts, transforming local street food and traditional recipes into globally recognized brands.
Objectives of the ODOC Scheme
The scheme is designed to go beyond mere recognition, focusing on the professionalization of the local food industry:
- Global Branding: Elevating district-specific dishes to international standards through improved packaging and marketing.
- Entrepreneurship: Encouraging local food vendors and small-scale producers to scale their businesses.
- Hygiene Standards: Implementing strict quality and safety protocols to boost consumer confidence.
- Economic Impact: Benefiting a larger population of farmers and vendors involved in the supply chain of these specific ingredients.
Highlights from the Official List
The initial list features an array of iconic vegetarian sweets, snacks, and dairy products:
- Varanasi: Thandai, Tiranga Barfi, Lassi, and the famous Banarsi Paan.
- Mathura: Peda and Makhan Mishri.
- Agra: Petha and Dalmoth.
- Lucknow: Revdi, Mango products, Chaat, and Malai Makkhan.
- Prayagraj: Kachori, Samosa, and Rasmalai.
- Ayodhya: Chandrakala, Balushahi, and Dahi.
- Amethi: Samosa, Jaggery Kheer, and Gulgula.
Note on Exclusions and Flexibility
The current list notably excludes several famous non-vegetarian dishes, such as Lucknow’s Galouti Kebabs and Rampur’s Mutton Korma. Addressing this, Cabinet Minister Rakesh Sachan clarified that the omission was not intentional and the list remains dynamic.
The scheme allows for local recommendations to be added or changed at any time with the approval of the Chief Minister, ensuring the list evolves according to public demand and the goal of promoting items that benefit the widest possible base of local producers.
