Himachal Government Launches ‘One District, Three Products’ Initiative To Boost Rural Economy And Self-Reliance

July 18, Shimla: In a first‑of‑its‑kind initiative in the country, the state government intends to roll out the “One District, Three Products” (ODTP) plan, aimed at revitalising the rural economy by promoting local empowerment and unlocking the commercial potential of indigenous products.

Under this plan, three identified signature products (based on uniqueness & market potential) from each district will be strengthened. This will involve value chain analysis followed by forward integration, which will entail smarter branding and packaging and enhance national and international market access, thereby promising higher returns for local manufacturers.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated, “Our Government’s vision of making Himachal Pradesh self‑reliant will be realised through this rural-centric initiative. It will play a significant role in revitalising the State’s rural economy. The initiative will be supported through the upcoming new Industrial Policy.”

Hon’ble Industries Minister Sh. Harshwardhan Chauhan added, “Under the able leadership of our Chief Minister, the state government plans to resurrect the rural economy by strengthening district‑level products while creating sustainable livelihoods and providing an appropriate market platform for these unique products.”

A wide basket of products from agriculture, horticulture, handlooms, and handicrafts will be covered, including turmeric, ginger, maize, shawls, spices, Kangra tea, paintings, morel mushrooms, chulli oil, Chamba chappal, Kullu, Kinnaur shawls, and other items representing the State’s diverse agro‑climatic and cultural landscape.

Principal Secretary (Industries) Smt. M. Sudha Devi shared, “ODTP will serve as an important pillar of our Chief Minister's vision of making the state inclusive and self-reliant. This initiative represents a strategic shift towards value-added rural industrialisation. By combining value chain development, product standardisation, branding, packaging, and market access interventions, the state government aims to create sustainable economic opportunities at the grassroots level. Under the RAMP Program implementation, the Industries Department is working towards establishing a comprehensive ecosystem that will enable local producers, artisans, self-help groups and MSMEs to scale up their operations and improve market access.”

Beyond product promotion, ODTP is envisaged as a catalyst for rural entrepreneurship, with a special focus on empowering artisans, women entrepreneurs, self‑help groups, and small producers. By improving supply chains and strengthening market linkages, the initiative aims to enhance competitiveness and increase incomes at the grassroots level. This initiative will transform local specialities into global brands by supporting artisans, farmers, and small enterprises while preserving the cultural heritage of the state.