State-level MSME exhibition showcases GI and ODOP products in Madurai

A state-level exhibition and seminar showcasing products with Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Geographical Indication (GI) tags, and items under the “One District, One Product” (ODOP) scheme was started here on Wednesday at the Tamukkam Convention Centre.

The event was inaugurated by the Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), P. Mathan Raja, along with the District Collector, Nishant Krishna.

The exhibition is a collaborative effort by the Facilitating Centre for MSMEs in Tamil Nadu (FaMeTN), the District Industries Centre (DIC), and the Central Government’s World Bank-backed “Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance” (RAMP) scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mathan Raja emphasised the government’s commitment to transforming local innovations into commercial success stories.

“This exhibition aims to promote MSME growth, market unique local products, and bridge the gap between traditional artisans and major business enterprises,” he added.

He noted that Tamil Nadu leads the country with GI tags for 70 products, adding that intensive awareness campaigns were under way to secure similar recognition for more regional goods to boost their international market value. Further, he highlighted FaMeTN’s role in helping innovators transition from prototypes to full-scale commercial enterprises.

Detailing recent policy measures, the Minister noted that micro-enterprises account for 95% of the State’s industrial landscape, with small and medium enterprises making up the remaining 5%. To fortify this sector, 18 new SIDCO industrial parks—including 10 exclusively for women entrepreneurs—were announced in the 2026 Budget and are currently being rolled out.

In a major relief for local businesses, Mr. Mathan Raja announced that the government has expedited the release of an initial tranche of ₹600 crore toward clearing ₹1,500 crore in capital subsidies pending over the last four years.

The exhibition featured 42 dedicated stalls, categorised into 20 for IPR-registered items, 12 for GI-tagged goods, and 10 under the ODOP initiative.

Visitors were treated to a rich display of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated regional specialties, ranging from Madurai jasmine and Sungudi sarees to Srivilliputhur Palkova, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai, palm jaggery, Kandangi sarees, Kodaikanal hill garlic, and motor pumps.