VARANASI, May 16 -- Sonbhadra's popular Gulab Jamun has now been included in the state's flagship One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme. To support the sweet industry, the state government decided to establish a special cell to address issues faced by entrepreneurs involved in the Gulab Jamun trade. Vinod Kumar Chaudhary, deputy commissioner of the Industries Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Sonbhadra, stated that this cell will ensure entrepreneurs receive the necessary assistance, including access to bank loans required to expand their businesses. The government's objective is to help small-scale Gulab Jamun makers evolve into full-fledged entrepreneurs. To modernise the trade, the government plans to conduct special training programmes that will integrate the makers' traditional skills with modern technology. These programmes will focus on imparting techniques related to packaging, quality control, hygiene standards and methods to ensure the sweets have a longer shelf-life. This initiative also aims to enable Sonbhadra Gulab Jamuns to reach markets across the country. The deputy commissioner noted that the district currently has over 200 active units producing Gulab Jamuns, which provide employment to more than 300 people. The selection of Gulab Jamuns under the ODOP scheme is expected to open up new opportunities for all those associated with this trade. Santosh Kumar Modanwal, a Gulab Jamun maker, highlighted the sweet's appeal, explaining that they are primarily prepared using refined flour (maida), khoya and sugar. A precise blend of cardamom, saffron, cashews, pistachios and almonds is prepared and added to create a captivating flavor, giving the Gulab Jamun its mouth-watering fragrance and soft texture....