The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, announced on July 15, 2025, that the Commerce Ministry will soon issue new guidelines under the National One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. These guidelines are aimed at supporting first-time exporters, expanding access to new global markets, and strengthening the branding of local district products through enhanced institutional partnerships.

During the National ODOP Awards 2024 ceremony in New Delhi, Mr. Goyal emphasized India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, calling the country an “oasis in a tumultuous world.” He highlighted the role of ODOP in realizing this goal by promoting the diverse and culturally rich products of 773 districts across India to international platforms.

The new guidelines are being designed to specifically promote first-time exporters, helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local producers navigate the complexities of international trade. The guidelines will also focus on identifying and expanding into new global markets, ensuring that ODOP items find recognition and demand across continents.

Products such as Wayanad’s coffee and Pulwama’s saffron were cited by the minister as shining examples of the diversity and global potential of Indian district-level produce. To support such examples, the Commerce Ministry plans to strengthen partnerships between local governance bodies and the central trade ecosystem, ensuring a robust export-support system.

Notably, 64 out of 87 ODOP products have now been included under the Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, with Bihar achieving 100% product coverage and being classified under Category A. This move is expected to attract further investments into district-level production and supply chains.

As part of its expansion strategy, the government has announced that 27 states will soon house PM Ekta Malls, which will serve as dedicated retail and cultural hubs for displaying ODOP and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged items. These malls will promote both domestic tourism and international trade by offering curated experiences for buyers and visitors alike.

In his address, Mr. Goyal also highlighted the success of the second edition of the ODOP Awards, which honoured 34 winners from various categories including district-level authorities, state governments, and Indian Missions abroad. Over 1,200 unique products from 750+ districts were evaluated and recognised. These products spanned diverse sectors such as agriculture, food processing, handlooms, and handicrafts, representing India’s rich traditional and artisanal wealth.

The ODOP initiative has taken major strides globally as well. With ODOP Walls installed in cities like Singapore, Milan, and New York, and participation from 15 Indian Missions, the international footprint of the program is growing steadily. These Walls showcase district-wise curated products, enabling foreign buyers and diplomats to experience the vibrancy of Indian craftsmanship.

A significant push has also been made in the e-commerce domain, where ODOP products are now listed on major procurement platforms such as the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This online presence is expected to facilitate bulk procurement by government bodies, private enterprises, and even individual buyers, thereby improving market accessibility for artisans and entrepreneurs.

To bridge the skill gap and enhance product quality, the ODOP initiative has entered into strategic partnerships with institutions like the National Institute of Design (NID) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). These institutions will work closely with artisans and small businesses to offer product design support, technical guidance, and business mentoring, ensuring that ODOP items meet global standards.

In a pioneering step towards digital storytelling and interactive learning, a new experiential ODOP Centre using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies has been launched at Bharat Mandapam. This centre is designed to educate the public on the heritage, process, and value chain behind each district’s flagship product. Visitors can now virtually experience the story of a product—from origin to shelf—thus enhancing emotional connect and consumer awareness.

Mr. Goyal reiterated the Centre’s unwavering commitment to empowering local artisans, expanding market linkages, and enhancing India’s export competitiveness. He noted that as India aspires to touch $2 trillion in exports, initiatives like ODOP will play a critical role in ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.

The broader strategy also involves capacity building through training modules, incubation centres, and handholding programs for startups operating in the rural and semi-urban ODOP ecosystems. By integrating technology, innovation, and storytelling, the ODOP initiative seeks to elevate local to global, transforming district-level economies into export-ready clusters.

In the coming months, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is expected to roll out the new set of ODOP guidelines, which will include policy frameworks, eligibility norms for first-time exporters, incentives for accessing new international markets, and a roadmap for institutional convergence.

India’s ODOP program has now become a national movement, aligning with the government’s broader goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, and Make in India. With sustained support and increased international engagement, the program is well on its way to becoming a flagship global export model rooted in local identity and excellence.

To conclude, the Commerce Ministry’s new ODOP guidelines will not only create a structured pathway for first-time exporters but also open new market opportunities globally. Through initiatives like PM Ekta Malls, AR/VR digital centres, institutional tie-ups, and e-commerce outreach, the ODOP vision is rapidly evolving into a transformational force in India’s trade and development story.

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