From Local Kitchens to Global Plates: UP Launches ‘One District, One Cuisine’ to Showcase Traditional Flavours to the World
Uttar Pradesh took a major step towards celebrating its rich culinary heritage as Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the ambitious ‘One District, One Cuisine’ (ODOC) initiative during the grand Uttar Pradesh Diwas celebrations in Lucknow on Saturday.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing the gathering at Rashtra Prerna Sthal, said the programme aims to transform one traditional food speciality from each of the state’s 75 districts into a powerful brand — promoting local flavours, empowering communities, and positioning Uttar Pradesh’s cuisine on the global map.
Under the ODOC initiative, traditional dishes will be prepared in hygienic and nutritious conditions while being supported through geo-tagging, branding, modern packaging and design aligned with national and international market demands.
The scheme is expected to open new export avenues for local food products and generate employment across the state.
“The unique food identity of every district will now become a new strength of Uttar Pradesh,” Adityanath said. “This initiative will not only preserve our culinary traditions but also turn them into economic opportunities.”
The chief minister highlighted that the UP Diwas celebrations were being organised simultaneously across all 75 districts and various other locations, enabling people from Uttar Pradesh — even those living in other states or abroad — to connect with the state’s cultural pride.
Reflecting on the journey since UP Diwas was first celebrated in 2018, Adityanath noted how the state has evolved in governance, infrastructure, and development.
He also shared a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Uttar Pradesh’s historical legacy and its remarkable progress in recent years.
In his letter, the Prime Minister lauded improvements in infrastructure, public services, and the state’s growing role in shaping a “transformed India” over the past decade.
During the ceremony, five distinguished individuals were honoured with the ‘Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman’ for their outstanding contributions in various fields, symbolising innovation, dedication, and alignment with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
In another major announcement, Adityanath revealed the launch of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Employment and Industrial Zone, a youth-centric initiative to boost skills, entrepreneurship and job creation.
Under this programme, around 100 acres in every district will be developed as dedicated zones to support training, industrial growth, and business opportunities, helping young people align their talents with emerging economic sectors.
The event saw the presence of senior leaders, including BJP’s Uttar Pradesh president Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with senior officials and public representatives.
Five District Magistrates were also recognised for exceptional performance under the CM YUVA scheme, aimed at encouraging youth entrepreneurship and employment generation.
The celebrations, held under the theme ‘Viksit Bharat – Viksit Uttar Pradesh’, reflected the state’s push towards cultural pride combined with economic transformation.
With initiatives like ODOC and large-scale employment zones, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a state where tradition meets opportunity — turning heritage into prosperity.
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