The Central government has allocated Rs. 145 crore to Nagaland for the construction of a Unity Mall in Dimapur, aimed at promoting and showcasing the state’s One District One Product (ODOP) offerings, the ministry of commerce & industry said.
This was informed by special secretary Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Sumita Dawra during an ODOP Sampark event held at hotel Vivor, Kohima, organized by the DPIIT in collaboration with Invest India, Industries and Commerce department, Nagaland and PIB Kohima.
The allocation is part of the Union Budget 2023-24, which has earmarked Rs. 5,000 crore for the establishment of Unity Malls across India, which will function as a one-stop marketplace for ODOP products across the country.
Sumita Dawra also highlighted the efforts of DPIIT and Invest India in conducting a National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) Drive in Kohima, particularly chillies from Nagaland.
Dawra said that organic certification would play major role in insuring better access for Indian products in foreign markets and help gain better prices for farmers.
She also highlighted that efforts would be undertaken to improve the logistics facilities for ODOP products from Nagaland like chili, turmeric, kiwi, pineapple, etc, through the Krishi UDAN scheme, expanding railway connectivity, etc.
During the event, the documentation for organic certification for 15 chili farmers was completed, while the verification process for others was still ongoing. This certification will enable better access to international markets and ensure better prices for the farmers.
The event was organized to create awareness regarding the efforts of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India through its two flagship Initiative One District One Product (ODOP) and PM Gati Shakti (Logistics).
The event was also graced by development commissioner R. Ramakrishnan, and commissioner & secretary Industries & Commerce Kekhrievor Kevichusa.
- Agencies