Books & Magazines
TRIFED Scheme promotes tribal entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships. By supporting artisans, the TRIFED Scheme provides crucial market access, enhancing the socio-economic status of tribal communities.
PWOnlyIAS
April 01, 2025
TRIFED, launched by the Government of India, is a vital initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the country’s tribal population. Established in 1987, TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) functions as a national-level cooperative body with the mandate to ensure the sustainable development and economic upliftment of tribal communities by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP).
The TRIFED Scheme focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of tribal communities by developing the marketing systems for the products they harvest from forests and agricultural activities. It operates with a dual approach: as a market developer and as a service provider.
The scheme empowers tribal people by providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to effectively manage and market their products. This approach ensures that tribal people can earn a fair income while preserving their traditions and sustainable practices. The scheme works on two primary fronts:
| TRIFED Scheme Overview | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Form | Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) |
| Established | 1987 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Primary Objective | Socio-economic development of tribal communities through sustainable trade of forest and agricultural products. |
| Key Functions |
|
| Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana | A scheme that empowers tribal people to value-add MFPs through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs). |
| Target Population | Tribal communities and tribal artisans across India |
| Major Products Supported |
|
| Market Linkages | TRIBES India retail outlets, online sales platforms, and national/international trade opportunities. |
| Minimum Support Price (MSP) | Ensures fair pricing for MFPs, protecting tribal gatherers from exploitation. |
| Training & Capacity Building | Provides training on product sorting, grading, processing, and entrepreneurship skills. |
| Impact |
|
TRIFED stands for Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. The organization’s headquarters are located in New Delhi, where it coordinates national-level initiatives for the development of tribal products and resources. TRIFED has a network of regional offices across India to implement its programs at the grassroots level.
The TRIFED was launched in August 1987, under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984, with the primary aim of creating a framework for marketing the forest products harvested by tribal communities. Its core mission is to help tribal people, who often live in remote areas, gain access to national and international markets, enabling them to earn a sustainable livelihood.
The primary objective of TRIFED is the socio-economic development of tribal communities by facilitating the trade of their products, including Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP). Some key objectives include:
TRIFED functions as both a market developer and a service provider, working in multiple areas to support tribal communities. Some of its key functions include:
Minor Forest Produce (MFP) refers to non-timber forest products collected by tribal people from forests. These include a variety of goods such as:
MFP forms a significant portion of the tribal economy, as nearly 100 million people in India rely on forest produce for their income. Studies show that MFP contributes 20-40% of a tribal family’s annual earnings. The collection and sale of MFPs provide food, medicines, and cash income, particularly for women who are the primary gatherers and sellers of these products.
A major component of the TRIFED Scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana. Launched in April 2018, this initiative focuses on providing a platform for tribal people to transform their MFP collection into value-added products. The scheme sets up Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK), which are clusters of self-help groups (SHGs) aimed at enhancing the capacity of tribal gatherers and enabling them to become entrepreneurs. This initiative is crucial in overcoming challenges such as exploitation by middlemen and ensuring fair prices for MFP.
The TRIFED Scheme (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) continues to evolve as a powerful tool for tribal empowerment in India. Recently, TRIFED has taken another significant step forward in its mission to uplift tribal communities by entering into strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent organizations such as Reliance Retail, the HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia. These partnerships aim to expand opportunities for tribal businesses and facilitate the integration of tribal products into mainstream markets, both within India and internationally.
These MoUs were signed on 19th February 2025, during the Aadi Mahotsav, a major tribal festival held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, running from 16th to 24th February 2025. The festival’s theme, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce”, resonates deeply with TRIFED’s mission to promote tribal entrepreneurship and bring tribal products to the forefront of the Indian and global markets.
TRIFED supports the development of the MFP market by providing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) to tribal gatherers. This ensures that they are paid fairly for their products, helping them improve their economic status. Additionally, TRIFED is involved in the value addition of MFPs, which enhances the income potential of tribal people by turning raw materials into higher-value products. Through the Van Dhan Yojana, TRIFED also trains tribal gatherers in sorting, grading, and processing MFPs, creating a sustainable supply chain and increasing the products’ marketability.
The TRIFED Scheme has made a significant impact on tribal communities by improving their economic conditions and empowering them through training and market access. The establishment of Van Dhan Kendras has transformed tribal gatherers into entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary tools to scale their operations. Additionally, the expansion of TRIBES India retail outlets has given tribal artisans a platform to showcase their handicrafts and natural products to a broader audience, both in India and internationally.
Through its various programs, including the MSP for MFP Scheme and Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram, TRIFED is working towards sustainable livelihoods for tribal people, creating an inclusive ecosystem that addresses the needs of the most marginalized communities in India.
The TRIFED Scheme is a comprehensive effort by the Government of India to uplift tribal communities by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce and Surplus Agricultural Produce. By offering fair pricing, value addition, and market access, TRIFED is not only improving the lives of tribal people but also preserving their cultural heritage and ensuring that their traditional knowledge and practices are respected and rewarded. With initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, the scheme is directing the way for tribal entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!
.png)
Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing
Download Our App
Download Our App
Books & Magazines
Prelims Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Udaan
Udaan 500+
Budget & Economic Survey
Monthly Current Wallah
Weekly Current Wallah
Editorial Summary
Editorial Q&A Compilation
NCERT Wallah
Prahaar (Mains Wallah)
Marks Booster
Mains Wallah (Q&A Bank)
<div class="new-fform">
</div>
