India, home to over 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals—comprising 8.6% of the total population—boasts a vast and diverse tribal heritage. The Government of India has demonstrated a strong commitment to the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes through several initiatives based on a multi-pronged approach.
The overall budget for tribal development has seen a remarkable rise, increasing from ₹10,237.33 crore in 2024-25 to ₹14,925.81 crore in 2025-26, reflecting a 45.79% increase. Since 2014-15, the budget has grown by 231.83%, underscoring the government’s sustained focus on tribal welfare.
TRIFED: Driving Economic Empowerment of Tribal Communities
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been actively working to enhance the economic conditions of tribal communities. Its mission revolves around promoting socio-economic development by enabling tribal artisans to access larger markets and fair pricing for their products.
Van Dhan Yojana: Transforming Tribal Livelihoods
Launched on April 14, 2018, the Van Dhan Yojana is a flagship initiative under the ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) & Development of Value Chain for MFP.’ Implemented by TRIFED as the nodal agency, this scheme aims to generate livelihood opportunities for tribal gatherers by transforming them into entrepreneurs.
Under this initiative, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKCs) have been established in tribal-dominated districts, where tribal Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engage in the collection, value addition, and marketing of MFPs. Each VDVK cluster comprises 15 tribal SHGs with about 300 beneficiaries. The initiative, 100% funded by the Central Government, provides ₹15 lakhs per cluster to support tribal entrepreneurship, ensuring a sustainable source of income for forest-dwelling communities.
Since its inception, the Van Dhan Yojana has benefited over 11.83 lakh tribal individuals, enhancing their income and fostering sustainable development. With substantial funding of ₹587 crore, the scheme has empowered forest-dependent communities to become self-reliant and move up the value chain from raw material suppliers to producers of high-value finished goods.
TRIBES INDIA: Bridging Tribal Products with Global Markets
To support the economic welfare of tribal artisans, TRIFED launched TRIBES INDIA in 1999, opening its first retail outlet in New Delhi. Today, TRIBES INDIA has expanded to 117 retail outlets across the country. TRIFED operates 15 regional offices to source handicrafts, handlooms, and natural food products from tribal artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These products are marketed through 35 own showrooms, 8 consignment showrooms, exhibitions, and the e-commerce platform www.tribesindia.com.
This initiative has enabled more than 200 tribal communities residing in remote regions to preserve and showcase their traditional arts and crafts, ensuring fair pricing and global exposure for their products.
Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives: Strengthening Tribal Enterprises
To further its mission, TRIFED has entered into several strategic partnerships aimed at facilitating tribal entrepreneurship and enhancing market access. Some notable collaborations include:
| Partnership | Date | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) & Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd (HPMC) | 24th Feb 2025 | Facilitating product curation and design development of tribal handloom and handicrafts (NIFT); augmenting technology and processing of horticulture and minor forest products (HPMC). |
| Rooftop | 24th Feb 2025 | Providing art workshops and skill enhancement opportunities for tribal artisans. |
| Meesho, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI) | 18th Feb 2025 | Onboarding tribal products on Meesho’s platform, fostering collaborations with culinary professionals (IFCA), and capacity-building for artisans (MGIRI). |
| Tea Trunk | 17th Feb 2025 | Boosting the tribal economy through market presence, sustainable development, and skill-building for tribal producers. |
Aadi Mahotsav: Celebrating Tribal Excellence and Entrepreneurship
Aadi Mahotsav, TRIFED’s flagship initiative, is an annual event that celebrates India’s rich tribal heritage, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce. The 2025 edition, held from 16th to 24th February at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, brought together:
- 600+ tribal artisans from 30+ States and Union Territories
- 500 performing artists showcasing tribal dance forms
- 25 tribal food stalls presenting indigenous cuisines
- Live painting sessions by tribal artisans
- 20 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and 35 training institutes collaborating with tribal entrepreneurs
- 25+ MoUs signed with design institutes and corporate houses
The theme, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce,” encapsulated the essence of tribal life and economic self-reliance.
Building a Self-Reliant Tribal Economy
TRIFED’s initiatives, including Van Dhan Yojana, TRIBES INDIA, and Aadi Mahotsav, are fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing market access, and preserving traditional crafts. Through strategic partnerships, retail expansion, and cultural events, these programs create sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance for tribal communities while celebrating their rich heritage. The future of India’s tribal economy lies in empowering artisans, ensuring fair trade, and integrating them into the national and global markets.
