Stories
Prayagraj Samosas Get ODOD Boost: Financial Aid to Expand Beyond Local Markets
- •Uttar Pradesh government launches One District, One Dish (ODOD) scheme to promote Prayagraj's samosas, rasgullas, and puri-kachoris.
- •Entrepreneurs can receive financial assistance and training to start or expand food businesses, with subsidies up to Rs 50 lakh depending on project cost.
- •Prayagraj is known for its unique small, crisp, masala-filled samosas, distinct from the common potato variety, and famously affordable.
- •The initiative aims to improve production, packaging, and formalization, creating over 1,500 jobs and expanding market reach for local delicacies.
- •The scheme seeks to give Prayagraj's distinctive samosas a consistent identity and distribution network, allowing them to be marketed outside the city.
Key Questions Answered
The One District, One Dish (ODOD) scheme provides financial support and training to entrepreneurs dealing in traditional local foods like samosas, rasgullas, and puri-kachoris, helping them start new units or expand existing businesses. The initiative aims to improve production, packaging, and marketing to take Prayagraj's signature snacks beyond the region.
Projects costing up to Rs 25 lakh receive a 25% subsidy capped at Rs 6.25 lakh, while projects between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 50 lakh qualify for a 10% subsidy also capped at Rs 6.25 lakh. For projects ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, the subsidy is 20% up to Rs 10 lakh, and projects above Rs 1.5 crore receive a 10% subsidy up to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh. General-category applicants contribute 10% of the project cost, whereas SC, ST, OBC, minority, women, and disabled applicants contribute 5%.
Prayagraj is famous for small, crisp samosas, notably the mini masala-filled variety found at old establishments like Hari Ram and Sons in Loknath. Instead of the usual potato filling, these bite-sized samosas are packed with a dry spice mixture that provides a distinctive flavor and crisp texture. The city's samosa culture is also remarkably affordable, highlighted by a viral Re 1 samosa sold near Dhobi Ghat in Mumfordganj.
