"Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission" (PMJVM) Scheme
NEW DELHI: The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey Wednesday informed Rajya Sabha that the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) is executing the "Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission" (PMJVM) Scheme under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. This initiative encompasses various activities aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of tribal communities including Retail Marketing, Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP), Infrastructure Development, activities at the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK) and Research & Development efforts.
Through the identification and empanelment of tribal artisans and suppliers, TRIFED is crucial in marketing tribal products, which range from handicrafts and handlooms to natural and food products. The distribution of these goods occurs through a retail network that boasts 115 Tribes India outlets as well as through exhibitions and e-commerce platforms nationwide.
In Tripura specifically 470 tribal artisans supplying products related to 2,957 families have been registered, highlighting TRIFED's commitment to empowering local communities. Moreover the organisation has conducted Tribal Artisan Empanelment Melas (TAeMs) and has participated in significant exhibitions like Aadi Bazaar and Aadi Mahotsav to enhance market linkages for these artisans.
Within Tripura, TRIFED has authorised 87 VDVKs, divided between the PM-JANMAN scheme (30) and PMJVM (57), benefitting a total of 18,666 individuals (2,550 from PM-JANMAN and 16,116 from PMJVM). Out of these, 80 VDVKs—30 linked to PM-JANMAN and 50 under PMJVM—are currently operational generating significant economic activity with sales of value-added products totaling Rs 113.85 lakh.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has instituted Minimum Support Price (MSP) rates for 87 minor forest produce commodities, which will be applicable across all States and Union Territories, including Tripura. The successful operation of 80 VDVKs demonstrates a robust connection between Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and the market, where the associated SHGs have leveraged local markets, fairs and exhibitions to sell their value-added products thus ensuring a broader market reach for tribal and forest-based enterprises.