On the suggestions of the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the Union Ministry for Agriculture has recently initiated the ‘One District, One Focus Product’ (ODOFP) policy across the country.

As per the policy, ‘focused products’ from 728 districts have been recognised from agri-sectors encompassing farming, horticulture, animal husbandry, poultry, dairy, fisheries, aquatic farming and coastal farming.

In total, the Union agriculture ministry has decided to recognise fruits from 226 districts, grains from 40 districts, vegetables from 107 districts and spices from 105 districts.

In these districts, emphasis will be laid on the respective focused products and steps will be taken for their value addition by branding them as finished products from the local raw material.

According to the Ministry, ODOFP policy will help farmers increase their incomes and the country’s exports would soar.

The list of focused products has been finalised after consulting the state governments and the union territories as well as Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

In a statement issued on February 27, the agriculture ministry stated that these products will be encouraged with a visionary and holistic approach. It also said that ODOFP policy would be provided with technical aid under the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME). The scheme was launched in June, last year and funds amounting to Rs 10,000 millions are utilised to support promoters and micro-industries.

According to data released by the Union government, almost 2.5 million unregistered, and informal but organised food processing industries exist in the country. Out of these, 66 per cent are situated in the rural areas and 80 per cent of such industries are family-based.

In a coordinated effort between the PM-FME and ODOFP schemes, humanpower related with these industries is expected to be supported.

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