FICCI FLO, under the leadership of 42nd National President, Ms. Poonam Sharma, hosted a powerful webinar, “From Local to Global: ODOP & GI Tags as Engines of Artisan Empowerment,” focusing on equipping attendees with the knowledge of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
This scheme promotes balanced regional development by identifying, branding, and promoting one unique product from each district to boost local economies. Also, the ODOP scheme includes GI-tagged products, which means that they have a specific geographical origin and possess unique qualities. The ODOP approach is used for perishable agricultural goods, food products, handicrafts, and traditional items to benefit from economies of scale.
From Local to Global session featured speakers, Dr. Rajni Kant, Padma Shri Awardee (2019), & GI Man of India, and Mr. Prabhat Ranjan Shukla, Deputy Commissioner Industry, ODOP Dept. Both speakers discussed the importance of the ODOP scheme and GI tags in boosting local economies and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
They emphasized that ODOP and GI Tags are like engines to empower local artisans in India by taking their business and traditional products to both the domestic and global markets. The session initiated dialogue regarding attracting investment and generating employment in the district via the ODOP initiative.
Also, it focused on boosting manufacturing and exports for Indian artisans through this scheme. Dr. Rajni Kant talked about the impact of GI Tags by saying: “A GI Tag isn’t just a legal mark – it’s a shield, a brand, and a bridge to the global market.”
According to the speakers, ODOP has made huge contributions by doubling the exports and making unique products visible globally. The Indian government has lessened GI registration fees for both artisans and weavers to boost their businesses. This webinar was a part of the FLO Handloom, Textile & Handicrafts initiative.
Ms. Nalini Sanwal, Past Chairperson of FLO Kanpur, moderated this webinar. Day chair, Ms. Swati Verma, Initiative Lead, FLO Handloom, Textile & Handicrafts, made this session successful with the support of team members, Sunita Kanoria, Seetha Reddy, Shilpa Patel, Shweta Jindal, and Savnit Gurnani. Around 172 participants attended this powerful session and were inspired to choose GI-tagged products while shopping and support initiatives that promote Indian artisans.