A one-day ODOP workshop in Kohima focused on strengthening pickle production through food safety, value addition, branding, certification and wider market access.
DIMAPUR — A one-day workshop on the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative, focusing on pickle production, was held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office in Kohima on September 25, with emphasis on strengthening local food products, value addition and market access.
Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B Henok Buchem, in his keynote address, said ODOP provides an opportunity to identify, strengthen and promote products rooted in local resources, traditions and communities.
He stressed that the initiative should go beyond production to create sustainable livelihoods, support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the local economy, a DIPR report stated.
Buchem highlighted Nagaland’s diverse range of locally available foods, vegetables, spices and agricultural produce, as well as traditional food-preservation practices.
He called for traditional knowledge to be combined with modern food-processing techniques, particularly in hygiene, quality control, packaging, branding and marketing.
He said producing good-quality pickle was only the first step, and that the entire value chain—from sourcing quality raw materials and processing to packaging, branding, transportation and market access—needed to be strengthened.
The DC also underscored the importance of food safety, certification, consistent quality and shelf life to enable local products to compete in wider markets.
He encouraged participants to make effective use of digital platforms and e-commerce to expand market reach while ensuring a consistent supply.
Highlighting the potential of Naga cuisine and local food products, Buchem said Nagaland’s distinctive flavours and traditional ingredients could be developed into strong brands with appeal both within and beyond the state.
The technical sessions covered branding and packaging, food safety and compliance, NABARD support for ODOP, and experience sharing by an ODOP entrepreneur.
The workshop concluded with an interactive knowledge-sharing session on strengthening production, value addition, branding, certification and market linkages for pickle and other local products.
The workshop was chaired by Inspector of Industries, District Industries Centre (DIC), Kohima, Kedozolie Nagi, and brought together officials, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges and support mechanisms under the ODOP initiative.
Earlier, General Manager, DIC Kohima, Ahunle Tep, delivered the welcome address, while Functional Manager, DIC Kohima, Jessy Jurry, spoke on “ODOP Initiatives and Avenues for Entrepreneurs”.