The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey informed the Rajya Sabha today that TRIFED has been implementing the “Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission” (PMJVM) Scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs which includes activities such as Retail Marketing, MSP for MFP, Infrastructure Development, Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) activities, and Research & Development.

TRIFED generates livelihood opportunities for tribal communities through identification and empanelment of tribal artisans/suppliers and marketing of tribal products – including handicraft, handloom, natural and food products – through a retail network of 115 Tribes India outlets, exhibitions and e-Commerce platforms across the country, including in Tripura. TRIFED has empanelled 470 tribal artisans/suppliers associated with 2,957 families in Tripura, besides organising Tribal Artisan Empanelment Melas (TAeMs) and participating in exhibitions such as Aadi Bazaar and Aadi Mahotsav for market linkage.

In the State of Tripura, TRIFED has sanctioned 87 VDVKs (PM-JANMAN: 30 and PMJVM: 57) associating 18,666 beneficiaries (PM-JANMAN: 2,550 and PMJVM: 16,116). Of these, 80 VDVKs (PM-JANMAN: 30 and PMJVM: 50) are operational and have sold value-added products worth Rs. 113.85 lakh.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has notified Minimum Support Price (MSP) rates for 87 Minor Forest Produce (MFP)/commodities, applicable to all States/UTs, including Tripura.

80 VDVKs are operational in Tripura, and the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) associated with these VDVKs have sold value-added products worth Rs. 113.85 lakh through local markets, fairs and exhibitions thereby linking tribal SHGs and forest-based enterprises with wider markets.