Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 November 2024
In a significant boost to local industries, Invest India, in partnership with the Department of Industries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, organised a Stakeholder Consultation and ODOP Sampark event. The gathering showcased the unique products of the region under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, focusing on creating economic opportunities and celebrating the islands’ vibrant cultural heritage.
The event opened with remarks from Mr. Abdul Rashid and Ms. Sunita Kumari, Assistant Directors (Technical) in the Industries Department. This was followed by a keynote from Mr. Ajit Anand, Deputy Director of the Industries Department, who emphasized the Government’s commitment to empowering local producers and artisans through ODOP.
Ms. Sonia Duhan, Senior Assistant Vice President of ODOP at Invest India, delivered a comprehensive presentation on ODOP’s successes both in India and internationally. She outlined the initiative’s transformative impact on regional economies and highlighted the potential of products from Andaman and Nicobar Islands to reach a global audience. The event was attended by prominent officials from the Industries Department, including Mr. Mohammed Ishaque, Mr. Sindhupathi Raja, and Mr. T. Alvikutty, as well as officers from the Sagarika Union Territory Emporium.
The day also featured a specialised session on the GeM ODOP Bazaar, led by Mr. Manesh Mohan, Business Facilitator from Government e-Marketplace (GeM). He guided attendees on how to effectively use the GeM ODOP platform to promote and sell local products. Additionally, Mr. Vishnu Kant, Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, RA Kolkata, presented key insights on export facilitation and government schemes that can help Andaman and Nicobar businesses reach international markets.
A central focus of the event was a stakeholder consultation attended by over 40 local sellers, particularly from the fisheries, marine, and coconut sectors. This session, facilitated by Mr. Ishdeep Singh, Manager of ODOP at Invest India, provided a platform for vendors to voice challenges related to their industries. Representatives from the Industries, Marine, Agriculture, and Emporium departments listened to these concerns, promising attention to issues around product development and market access.
Attendees were treated to a live exhibition featuring an array of local products, showcasing the unique craftsmanship and natural resources of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Discussions also touched upon future plans to create dedicated retail spaces, such as the proposed Unity or Ekta Mall, intended to provide a lasting market for artisans and further boost local economies.
In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of balanced regional development, the event underscored ODOP’s role in driving socioeconomic growth, preserving the cultural heritage, and empowering communities across India. By shining a spotlight on a unique product from each district, ODOP aims to open new avenues for local businesses, making them export-ready and sustainable.
The Stakeholder Consultation and ODOP Sampark event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering growth and investment in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, setting the stage for a promising future for the region’s artisans and entrepreneurs.