Government has taken up several measures to facilitate inclusion of Tribal People in the mainstream economic activity and incentivize promotion and export of tribal products

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through two of its agencies namely Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) and National Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation (NSTFDC), has contributed significantly in promoting economic activities being undertaken by the tribal communities and have impacted in turn their economic development.

Under the component of 'Van Dhan' of Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) scheme, TRIFED has sanctioned 3958 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras associating 11.83 lakh beneficiaries since its inception in 2019-20. These VDVKs have made a business of around Rs. 41 crores through value addition of Minor Forest Produces (MFPs) and non-MFPs so far (as on 06.12.2023).

TRIFED has also empaneled 3069 tribal artisans / suppliers and has realized a sale of Rs. 172.55 crores by marketing of various categories of tribal products through their online / offline platforms since 2019-20 (upto 30.11.2023).

Similarly, NSTFDC has disbursed concessional loans amounting to Rs. 1343.06 crores to 2.56 lakh beneficiaries since 2019-20 (as on 31.10.2023) under its schemes like term loan, Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana, Micro Credit scheme, Adivasi Shiksha Rrinn Yojana etc. for undertaking various economic activities.

Regarding the steps taken by government for promotion and export of tribal products, as part of its marketing development activities, TRIFED also explores export markets. As part of export promotion of tribal products, TRIFED participated in few international fairs organised overseas through ITPO/ EPCH, the details of which are given below:

In addition, TRIFED has sent tribal products to 63 Indian Missions/Embassies abroad to set up Atmanirbhar Bharat Corners there for promoting tribal products in the international market. Till date, 42 such Atmanirbhar corners have been set up in Indian Missions abroad. Further, the tribal products of empanelled tribal artisans from various states amounting to Rs. 23.29 lakhs have been exported through TRIFED during last 5 years.

This information was given by MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS, SMT. RENUKA SINGH SARUTA in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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NB/VM