Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch a major initiative to link the state’s rich culinary heritage with economic growth and employment generation. Under the proposed One District–One Cuisine (ODOC) model, plans are underway to develop cuisine clusters across all 18 divisions of the state. The initiative aims to provide organised identity, better market access and modern infrastructure to each district’s unique and traditional dishes.
Overall, the cuisine cluster model is envisioned as a strong platform to connect Uttar Pradesh’s cultural legacy with contemporary markets. The initiative will not only give a fresh identity to the state’s traditional flavours but also strengthen the vision of Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh.
Each Division to Function as a Cuisine Cluster
Under the cuisine cluster model, signature dishes from districts within each division will be identified and developed through improved quality standards, packaging, marketing and branding. These efforts are expected to establish traditional foods at both state and national levels, while also aligning them with modern consumer preferences.
Petha, Peda, Litti-Chokha, Samosa and Laddoo to Emerge as UP Food Brands
As part of the initiative, iconic delicacies such as Agra’s petha, Mathura’s peda, Gorakhpur’s litti-chokha, Kanpur’s samosa and laddoo will be developed as recognised state-level food brands. These products will no longer remain confined to local markets but will reach national and global audiences through e-commerce platforms, food festivals and tourism circuits.
Boost to Food Startups and Entrepreneurship
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government continues to focus on empowering food startups, MSMEs and local entrepreneurs. The cuisine cluster model will facilitate the development of food processing units, modern packaging facilities, cold chain infrastructure, quality testing labs and skill training centres. This will create new entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for youth and women.
Ease of Doing Business to Drive Sectoral Growth
The initiative is expected to benefit from the state’s pro-industry policies, single-window clearance system and improved ease of doing business. Through the ODOC framework, local producers will receive support for FSSAI certification, branding assistance and market linkages, enabling them to meet national and international standards.
Employment, Investment and Tourism to Get a Major Push
Cuisine cluster–based development is likely to generate employment, attract local investment and give a fresh impetus to food tourism in the state. ODOC cuisines will be promoted at hotels, restaurants, airports, railway stations and major tourist destinations, positioning Uttar Pradesh as an emerging food destination on the national and global map.
