26-Nov-2021: 9 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra clusters have been made operational in Nagaland covering Zunheboto, Wokha, Tuensang, Phek and Mokokchung districts

Nagaland has emerged as another example of tribal entrepreneurship that has showcased to the entire country how cluster development and value addition can help members earn significantly higher income. These clusters are one of the many developed under Van Dhan Yojana(PMVDY) introduced by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in association with State departments. The scheme aims at empowering tribals by providing them support in terms of financial capital, training, mentoring, etc. in order to expand their business and enhance earnings.

Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), the nodal Agency for honey production in the State, has been the implementing agency for the said set of clusters. It has implemented the Van Dhan Yojana programme solely for beekeeping activity as the only MFP in the first phase, which was initially implemented with five Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Clusters in four districts. Since Honey production is a seasonal activity and during offseason or dearth period the Van Dhan SHG members remained idle. Therefore in order to operationalize the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Cluster activity throughout the year the State Implementing agency (NBHM) envisaged to venture for other minor forest products such as Hill broom, oyster mushroom, ginger and nut gall.

The genesis of oyster mushroom cultivation begun with a trail on few selected SHGs during the pandemic which eventually prompted the State implementing agency to embark on a larger scale after witnessing the numerous production, scope for marketing opportunities and its consumption benefits for health aspects. VDVKCs are now engaged in the oyster mushroom cultivation on a larger scale, targeting approximate production of five (5) metric tonnes in raw in the coming months with two variety "pink and white”.

Through the efforts of TRIFED, the ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP’ has impacted the tribal ecosystem in a major way. Procurement has gone up from Rs 30 crores to Rs 1843 crores using GoI and State Government Funds across the country. The Van Dhan tribal start-ups, a component of the same scheme, has emerged as a source of employment generation for tribal gatherers and forest dwellers and the home-bound tribal artisans.

For the state of Nagaland alone,  285 VDSHGs have been sanctioned subsumed into 19 VDVK Clusters out of which 9 VDVKCs (135 VDSHGs) have been made operational covering Zunheboto, Wokha, Tuensang, Phek and Mokokchung districts. The VDVKC is currently producing Wild honey, Amla, Nutgall, Zanthoxylum, Roselle, Ginger, Turmeric, Hill Broom, Oyster Mushroom through value addition of MFPs, which has benefitted the lives of almost 5700 members attached to it. Till date sales of 35.32 lakhs has been achieved by the VDVKCs helping in the economic upliftment as well as empowerment of tribal communities in Nagaland.

The Van Dhan tribal start-ups, a component of the same scheme, has emerged as a source of employment generation for tribal gatherers and forest dwellers and the home-bound tribal artisans. Sh. Narendra Modi Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the first Van Dhan Kendra on 14th April 2018 at Bijapur, Chhattisgarh as value addition centre for tribal produce and in less than two years, 37,362 Van Dhan Self Help Groups (VDSHGs), subsumed into 2240 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Clusters (VDVKCs) of 300 forest dwellers each, was sanctioned by TRIFED. Since the inception of the Van Dhan Yojana, TRIFED was tasked to establish 50,000 Van Dhan Self Help groups and after launching the program in mission mode this year, TRIFED achieved the milestone of sanctioning 50,000 VDSHGs on 15thOctober 2021, and now stands at the count of 52,976 VDSHGs which are subsumed into 3110 VDVK Clusters.

The scheme has already proved to be a beacon of change which has positively impacted the tribal ecosystem by being a source of employment generation for tribes and the beauty of the programme lies in the fact that it ensures that the proceeds from the sales of these value-added products goes to the tribals directly.

8-Mar-2021: 1770 Van Dhan Kendras sanctioned so far in 22 states and one Union Territory

A total of 1770 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) have so far been sanctioned in 22 States & one Union Territory for promotion of tribal entrepreneurship and livelihood generations wherein a total of about 5.27 Lakhs beneficiaries have been associated. This includes 5 VDVKs sanctioned for Uttar Pradesh State as per details below:

It is envisaged to scale up implementation of the program in 26 States and 308 Districts including 39 aspirational districts where significant forest dwelling tribal population and rich source of Minor Forest Produces. Further it is envisaged to explore opportunities to forge convergence with other central line Ministries to boost the initiative.

25-Jun-2018: Government proposes to set up 3000 Van Dhan Kendras involving 30,000 SHGs across the country

The Government proposes to set up 3000 Van Dhan Kendras involving 30,000 SHGs across the country under the Van Dhan Scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. In a new game changing initiative, the Prime Minister launched the Van Dhan Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED on 14th April, 2018 during the celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti at Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.  Emphasizing the important role of value addition in increasing tribal incomes, the Prime Minister stated that Van Dhan, Jandhan and Goverdhan Schemes had the potential to change the tribal-rural economic system. All these three schemes in tandem need to be promoted for this purpose by the State Governments.

Under Van Dhan Scheme, 10 Self Help Groups of 30 Tribal gatherers each have been constituted at Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. They are then trained and provided with working capital to add value to the products, which they collect from the Jungle.  Working under the leadership of Collector, these groups can then market their products not only within the States but also outside the States. Training and technical support is provided by TRIFED.

Van Dhan Mission is an initiative for targeting livelihood generation for tribes by harnessing non-timber forest produces, the true wealth of forest i.e. Van Dhan with an estimated value: Rs.2 Lakh Cr. per year. It shall promote and leverage the collective strength of tribes (through SHGs) to achieve scale. It also aims at build upon the traditional knowledge & skill sets of tribes by adding technology & IT for value addition. Further it is to set-up tribal community owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (the Kendra) in predominantly forested tribal districts. A Kendra shall constitute of 10 tribal SHGs, each comprising of upto 30 tribal NTFP gatherers or artisans i.e. about 300 beneficiaries per Kendra.

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13-Jul-2021: Tribes India: a one-stop shop for  upcoming Rakhi festival and other gifting needs

With its attractive and wide range of tribal products ranging from exquisite handicrafts to metal artefacts to apparel and organic herbal produce, Tribes India (both the network of physical outlets and online e-commerce platforms) is an ideal one-stop destination for gifting your family and friends.

With Rakhi around the corner, the Tribes India catalogue now features an exclusive Rakhi corner, where one can find attractive handmade rakhis from different tribes of India, pooja items such as ornate metal pooja boxes and torans. Other than this, colourful kurtas for both men and women, salwars, jackets in different types of weaves and styles, and a range of sarees, dresses and beautiful stoles in the Maheshwari, Chanderi, Bagh, Kantha, Bhandara, Tussar, Sambhalpuri and Ikat traditions etc. are also featured in Tribes India outlets and websites.

In line with its efforts to promote the livelihoods and empower tribals through marketing and development to tribal produce and products, TRIFED has been expanding its diverse and attractive range of products on sale in the Tribes India network.

The 137 Tribes India outlets and e-commerce platform (www.tribesindia.com) cater to different types of needs. From the natural and immunity-boosting tribal produce such as organic Haldi, dry amla, wild honey, black pepper, ragi, Triphala, and lentil mixes such as moong dal, urad dal, white beans, and dahlia to artefacts such as paintings be it in the Warli style or  Patachitras; from jewellery handcrafted in the Dokra style to bead necklaces from the Wancho and Konyak tribes of the North-

East to the rich and vibrant textiles and silks, namely; from colourful puppets and children’s toys to traditional weaves such as Dongria shawls and Bodo weaves; from metal craft to bamboo products; any and every type of gift item is available here. These can be customised into attractive and customisable gift packs and hampers, depending on the requirements and budget. These gift hampers are packaged in premium organic, recyclable, sustainable packing material, designed by renowned designer Ms. Rina Dhaka exclusively for Tribes India, these make for ideal gifts for any occasion.

Do check out your nearest Tribes India outlet or website as you prepare for this festival of love and protection and look for gifting items.

16-Jan-2021: Two New Tribes India Outlets inaugurated in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh

Two Tribes India outlets were inaugurated by Shri Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED in the city of Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh on January 8, 2021. Shri Rajat Bansal, District Collector, Bastar and other senior officials of the district administration were present on the occasion. Addressing on the occasion, Shri Pravir Krishna said that TRIFED is continuing its work in focusing on improving the lives and livelihoods of the tribes in various aspects. In order to provide benefits to the tribal community of the State a special focus needs to be given to enhancing the quality, focussed marketing and strategic branding of the products. This is where the Tribes India network of outlets and e-commerce platforms comes in. It is his pleasure to inaugurate two TRIBES India showrooms in Jagdalput, one at the airport and the other in the Chandni Chowk area, Shri Pravir Krishna said. He hoped that these outlets will help in the marketing of the tribal handicrafts and handlooms and Van Dhan Naturals and immunity boosters.”

As a part of its initiative to promote the livelihood of the tribal artisans through marketing and provide support to tribal produce and products, with these new outlets, TRIFED is continuing to expand its retail operations across the country. These new outlets were a part of series of action plans and initiatives launched and kick started during a five-day visit of Managing Director, TRIFED and other officials to discuss and review the progress of the ongoing tribal empowerment programmes in the State.

Besides stocking products – arts and crafts from all the 27 Indian states, these will also focus on stocking Van Dhan essentials and immunity boosters and other natural produce. These outlets will also stock the latest products from the Tribes India Catalogue, the ones that have been included through the ongoing “From Our Home to your Home” campaign, which focusses on sourcing new, natural, attractive and immunity-boosting tribal products. With these continuous initiatives, Tribes India/ TRIFED continues its endeavour towards protecting and furthering the interests of the tribal communities across the country.

28-Dec-2020: Giant Rock Bee Honey, a Unique Variant of Honey Sourced From Malayali Tribes of Tamil Nadu Added to Tribes India Collection

More than 35 new, attractive, immunity-boosting tribal products have found a new home in Tribes India outlets and website in the 8th edition of “From Our Home to your Home”’ campaign. The campaign had been launched 8 weeks back by TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs in order to source as many effective, natural, and attractive products from diverse indigenous tribes across the country so that these can reach a wide variety of audience.

Key among the products this week are the natural, fresh, organic produce from the Malayali tribes of Tamil Nadu, such as Giant Rock Bee Honey, honey, variants of millet rice, tamarind and black pepper. Malayali is a tribal group from the Eastern Ghats in North Tamil Nadu. With a population of around 3,58,000 people they are the largest Scheduled tribes in that region. The tribals are usually hill farmers and they cultivate different types of millet.

Among the other products sourced include vibrant and eye-catching micro-beaded jewelry (mainly neckpieces) from the Patelia tribe from Madhya Pradesh. While agriculture is their mainstay, their handiwork is exceptional too as can be gauged from the beautiful, colourful pieces made by the artisans of Jhabua. Other products include organic varieties of dals and spices locally sourced from the Vasava tribes of Gujarat and an assortment of produce – such as honey, jams and two unique variants of rice from the Kharwar and Oraon tribes of Jharkhand and some interesting wooden products (chakla and belan) and attractive metal jalis from the Adim Janjati tribes and Lohra tribes of Jharkhand.

All new products introduced over the past weeks are available in 125 Tribes India outlets, Tribes India mobile vans and on online platforms such as the Tribes India E-marketplace (tribesindia.com) and e-tailers. The recently launched Tribes India e-marketplace, India’s largest handicraft and organic products marketplace which aims to connect5 lakh tribal enterprises to national and international markets; showcases tribal produce and handicrafts, making them accessible to customers across the country.

With a variety of natural and sustainable produce and products, the Tribes India e-marketplace offers a glimpse into the age-old traditions of our tribal brethren. Do check out market.tribesindia.com.  Buy Local Buy Tribal!

21-Dec-2020: Aesthetic Dhokra Decorative Pieces Added to the Tribes India Collection

Exquisite Dhokra products from different tribes of India were among the main items added in its 7th edition of “From Our Home to your Home” campaign on Tribes India, which focusses on sourcing new, natural, attractive as well as immunity-boosting tribal products and bringing them to the customer.35 new products were included in the Tribes India catalogue over the past week. Key among them are the Dhokra style metal work. Dhokra is a non-ferrous metal casting style which uses the lost-wax technique. This style of metal casting has been in vogue in all parts of India for centuries. The Dhokra products reflect the simplicity and motifs of tribal and folk life and make for excellent gifting options. Hence they are popular both in India and abroad.

Among the Dhokra products being introduced on Tribes India are attractive statues of fish, elephants and hangers in the boat jail design from the Lohra tribes of Jharkhand. From the Sadeibaraini tribals from Odisha, Ganesha statues, including a dancing Ganesha, a mask of Goddess Durga and Lord Jagannath, a Buddha Jaali and beautiful diyas in different shapes have been sourced. These reasonably priced items will enhance the décor of any house and make for thoughtful gifts.

Other products include products from the Kattunayakan tribes of Tamil Nadu. These include different variants of pure, unadulterated honey, tasty pickles such as amla, vadu mango, ragi and types of rice. From the tribes of Assam, pure ghee, organic poha, pickles, raw honey have been sourced. All the new products introduced are available in 125 Tribes India outlets, Tribes India mobile vans and also on online platforms such as the Tribes India E-marketplace (tribesindia.com) and e-tailers.

Many new products (immunity boosting products, produce in the Forest Fresh and Organics range and tribal arts and handicrafts) have been included in the past two months. The recently launched Tribes India e-marketplace, India’s largest handicraft and organic products marketplace which will connect 5 lakh tribal enterprises to national and international markets, showcases tribal produce and handicrafts, making them accessible to customers across the country. With a variety of natural and sustainable produce and products, the Tribes India e-marketplace offers a glimpse into the age-old traditions of our tribal brethren. Do check out market.tribesindia.com.  Buy Local Buy Tribal!

16-Dec-2020: Tribes India Continues Expanding its Range by Launching more new Products

Tribes India is continuing to add more new products, in the Forest Fresh and Organic range, to make its product offerings attractive, while enabling millions of tribal enterprises access to larger markets. This week, 20 more impactful, immunity products have been added to Tribes India range. A large number of  new products (immunity boosting products, produce in the Forest Fresh and Organics range and tribal arts and handicrafts) have already been included by Tribes India in its range in the past two months. All the new products introduced in the past few weeks are available in 125 Tribes India outlets, Tribes India mobile vans and also on online platforms such as the Tribes India E-marketplace (tribesindia.com) and e-tailers.

Among the products launched yesterday include 10 products from the Irulas and Kurumbas tribes of Tamil Nadu. These include three organic variants Shikakai powder, red rice, spices such as nutmeg, nutmeg pickle and two types of Aval (Poha/ flattened rice). 10 attractive Dokra metalcraft decorative, handcrafted by the Gond and Korku tribes from Madhya Pradesh have also been included in the Tribes India Catalogue. These beautifully crafted metal pieces are reasonably priced and are both decorative pieces and utility items. These include statues of Nandi, deer, card cases, napkin holders and pen stands.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED said, “Introducing these new products sourced from tribes all over India into the range enables many tribals access larger markets. Our endeavour has been to impact and transform tribal lives and improve their livelihoods. Go Vocal for Local Go Tribal is the mantra that TRIFED believes in, as it works towards tribal empowerment”.

The recently launched Tribes India e-marketplace, India’s largest handicraft and organic products marketplace which aims to connect  5 lakh tribal enterprises to national and international markets, showcases tribal produce and handicrafts, making them accessible to customers across the country.

With a variety of natural and sustainable produce and products, the Tribes India e-marketplace offers a glimpse into the age-old traditions of our tribal brethren. Do check out market.tribesindia.com. Buy Local Buy Tribal!

29-Jun-2019: ‘Tribes India’ launched Globally to step up exports of Tribal Products.

The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Smt. Renuka Singh launched the “Go Tribal Campaign” of Tribes India at a glittering event in New Delhi last night. The campaign has been launched to widely promote the use of tribal products. The Minister also launched ‘Tribes India’ globally through Amazon Global Selling at the event.

It is the hour of need to economically strengthen the tribals of our country as they are capable of producing many creative products including handicrafts. The tribal products are very pure and trustworthy and one can trust their quality and standard. The minister applauded the initiative of Tribes India to promote tribal products globally through Amazon Global Selling and hoped that it will prove to be a milestone.

Chairman TRIFED said that with the joint collaboration between TRIFED and Amazon, the tribal products will be available in about 190 countries and will help in establishing export market of tribal products worldwide.

Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs said that the range of tribal products for sale has been increased many a fold in recent years and it provides them ample employment opportunities also. He opined that with the collaboration with Amazon, the market for tribal products will definitely get a boost.

TRIFED has organized this event to institutionalize collaborations and partnerships with different organizations to promote tribal products. The following important activities were highlights of  event:

1. Launch of “Go Tribals Campaign by Tribes India” under which a number of innovative activities have been planned to be undertaken to promote use of tribal handicrafts, handicrafts and natural products.
2. Global Launch of “Tribes India” through Amazon Global Selling, under which Tribes India and Amazon Global Marketing launched TRIBES India products globally through Amazon.com. With this collaboration, tribal products shall be available in the US and will help establish export market of tribal products.
3. Collaboration of Tribes India with Central Silk Board for development, promotion, marketing of tribal silk products and empowerment of tribal reelers and weavers.
4. TRIFED joins the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi by introducing Khadi Kurtas and Jackets to its products range in association with “I Am Khadi” foundation.

As part of this initiative showcased a new range of ethnic fashion wear. Besides, the heritage range of traditional tribal handloom, handicrafts and naturals collection of the country like Madua, Jowaer, Bazra, Red Rice, Honey, Lac products, Spices, Coffee, Tea, Handmade Soaps etc. produced by Tribals in various parts of the country have also been showcased.

TRIFED is an organization under Ministry of Tribal Affairs and is engaged in marketing development of tribal products including tribal art and craft under the brand name “TRIBES INDIA”.