Initiative to link local products with national markets
Munish Sood
MANDI:
The rich and diverse craftsmanship nurtured in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is set to find wider markets as the state prepares to host the HIM MSME Fest from January 3 to 5 at The Ridge and Peterhoff in Shimla. The three-day event will spotlight the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, a flagship programme aimed at transforming traditional skills and district-specific products into sustainable economic opportunities with national and global reach.
Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said the MSME Fest would serve as a major platform to connect local producers, artisans, farmers and small entrepreneurs with organised markets and modern supply chains. He said the ODOP initiative was giving a new direction to district economies by integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary market mechanisms, branding strategies and technology-driven outreach.
“The ODOP scheme reflects the State Government’s value-based approach to industrial development. It is strengthening grassroots livelihoods by focusing on agro-based processing, handicrafts, manufacturing and service sectors, while preserving the unique cultural and economic identity of every district,” Chauhan said.
ODOP pavilion to be a major attraction
For the first time, ODOP products from all districts of Himachal Pradesh will be showcased together on a single platform. A dedicated ODOP pavilion will be set up during the MSME Fest, allowing producers to directly interact with leading national market players, including Amazon and other major e-commerce platforms.
Officials said this interface is expected to open new avenues for branding, bulk procurement and long-term market linkages. Artisans and entrepreneurs will also gain insights into packaging, quality standards, logistics and digital marketing—key components for scaling up local products in competitive markets.
Celebrating district-specific strengths
Highlighting the diversity of Himachal’s economic landscape, the Industry Minister said each district has been identified with a unique product or sector under the ODOP framework, ensuring focused support, value addition and market access.
Prominent ODOP products include amla processing from Bilaspur, agro-products processing from Hamirpur, the world-renowned Chamba Rumal from Chamba, and the traditional Kullu shawl from Kullu.
Kangra will showcase its globally recognised Kangra tea and miniature paintings, while Kinnaur will highlight traditional chulli oil. Seabuckthorn (chharma) products from Lahaul and Spiti, the steel furniture industry of Mandi, the light engineering sector of Una, and the packaging industry of Sirmaur will also feature prominently.
Solan’s mushroom sector and Shimla’s tourism sector, particularly with a focus on technology upgradation, will underline the expanding scope of ODOP beyond conventional crafts into services and modern industries.
Calling the large-scale showcasing of ODOP products at the MSME Fest a decisive step towards market integration, Chauhan reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to sustained policy support, infrastructure development and strengthened market linkages.
He said ODOP was emerging as a key instrument for converting grassroots potential into scalable and resilient economic opportunities. “This initiative is not just about exhibitions or short-term sales. It is about building long-term market confidence, creating district-level brands and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach the last mile,” he added.
The Industry Minister said the MSME Fest would be more than a display of products and reflect Himachal Pradesh’s broader vision of a self-reliant economy, where every district steps confidently into the national and global marketplace with its own distinct identity.
With strong participation expected from industry stakeholders, financial institutions and digital commerce platforms, the HIM MSME Fest is poised to become a milestone event in Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable industrial growth.
