Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, on Monday chaired a meeting at the Mini Secretariat to review the district’s preparedness under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized review of current ODOP to explore other unique and high-potential products which may better represent the district’s economic strengths and noted that the previously communicated ODOP crewal based shawl was not actually practiced in Bandipora.
On the occasion, the DC observed that Sheep emerged as strong contender for ODOP, given Bandipora’s sizeable livestock base, comprising more than three lakh sheep, 7,200 registered breeders and nearly half of local mutton consumption being met within the district.
During the meeting, Officers also highlighted the ongoing SKUAST initiatives aimed at strengthening the Gurezi sheep breed, the inclusion of sheep as ODOP under PMFME, and the year-round demand for mutton, which provides avenues for processing, branding and marketing.
While acknowledging labour-related challenges and sustainability concerns, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised that infrastructure development remained central to any successful ODOP strategy. During the meeting, the DC issued directions to concerned departments regarding raw material support, processing facilities, market linkage, skill development, employment generation and policy alignment needed for finalising the district’s ODOP proposal.
She also directed the departments to obtain the relevant rules from the Pollution Control Committee to facilitate compliance for future processing units. The meeting further discussed additional potential products including honey, water chestnuts, lotus stem and Gurezi potato, along with the need to promote local produce in line with the “Vocal for Local” vision.
The DC underscored that coordination between all concerned departments would be crucial for ensuring meaningful value addition and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Among others, the meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Development Bandipora, GM DIC Bandipora, DSHO Bandipora, CHO Bandipora, CAO Bandipora, representatives from Handicrafts, Handloom, Employment, Revenue and ITIs.