Himachal’s Craftsmanship to Shine at MSME Fest; ODOP to Bridge Local Products withNational Markets: Harshvardhan Chauhan

The rich traditional craftsmanship nurtured in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is set to move beyond
local and limited markets. The HIM MSME Fest, scheduled to be held from 3rd to 5th January at
The Ridge & Peterhof, Shimla, will place the State’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative at
centre stage, opening new pathways for local products to access national and global markets.
Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said that the ODOP initiative is imparting a fresh
direction to district economies by integrating traditional skills with modern market opportunities.
The scheme is creating a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods for farmers, artisans, and
small entrepreneurs across the State.
When Tradition Meets the Market
The Industry Minister stated that ODOP reflects the State Government’s value-based industrial
development strategy. By focusing on agro-based processing, handicrafts, manufacturing, and
service sectors, the initiative is empowering local talent and unlocking economic potential at the
grassroots level.
He informed that, 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 Fest,
enabling producers to interact directly with leading national market players, including Amazon and
other major e-commerce platforms. This interface is expected to create new opportunities for
branding, bulk procurement, and long-term market linkages.
Distinct Identity of Every District
Highlighting district-specific strengths, the Industry Minister said that each district has its own
unique product identity, which is being promoted through value addition, improved packaging, and
wider market access. Key ODOP products include:
 Bilaspur: Amla Processing
 Hamirpur: Agro-Products Processing
 Chamba: World-renowned Chamba Rumal
 Kullu: Traditional Kullu Shawl
 Kangra: Kangra Tea and Miniature Paintings
 Kinnaur: Traditional Chulli Oil
 Lahaul & Spiti: Seabuckthorn (Chharma) Products
 Mandi: Steel Furniture Industry
 Una: Light Engineering Sector

 Sirmaur: Packaging Industry
 Solan: Mushroom Sector
 Shimla: Tourism Sector with Technology Upgradation
A Decisive Step Towards Market Integration
Shri Chauhan said that the large-scale showcasing of ODOP at the MSME Fest marks a decisive
step towards market integration. Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, he stated that
continued policy support, infrastructure development, and strengthened market linkages will ensure
that district-specific products of Himachal Pradesh gain national and international recognition.
He added that ODOP is emerging as a key instrument for transforming grassroots potential into
scalable economic opportunities. The MSME Fest, he said, will not merely be an exhibition of
products, but a reflection of Himachal Pradesh’s vision for a self-reliant future—where every
district steps confidently into the global marketplace with its distinct identity.