October 13, 2020
There are 104 million tribals in India across 705 communities.
TRIFED, IIT Kanpur, Chattisgarh MFP federation launched the Tech for Tribals initiative.
TRIFED has sanctioned 1243 VanDhan Kendras in 21 States and 1 UT.
TRIFED aims to showcase the tribal products via a plethora of government and private e-commerce platforms.
In association with the Chattisgarh MFP Federation and IIT Kanpur, TRIFED initiated a 6 week training programme, in which the VanDhan beneficiaries across all districts of Chhattisgarh State shall be trained through various modes like online lectures, trainings, online activities, onsite visits and exposure visits. This is a unique programme to make the tribes of India Atmanirbhar, in an effort to bridge the gap between tribal entrepreneurs and urban markets.
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) launched the ‘Tech for Tribals”, a training programme for tribal MSMEs , which aims to tap the traditional knowledge and skills of tribals and add branding , packaging and marketing skills through a market-led enterprise model by setting up of VanDhan Kendras (VDVKs). Aimed at the holistic development of tribals with a focus on entrepreneurship development, soft skills, IT and business development the TRIFED is offering training in collaboration with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) under the entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme. So far, TRIFED has sanctioned 1243 VanDhan Kendras in 21 states and 1 UT. The aim is to market these VanDhan products via various e-portal channels like, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Paytm, Amazon India, Amazon Global, etc. To push government institutional purchases, TribesIndia has a presence in government eMarket place (GeM). Various National Level Festivals like Aadi Mahotsavs, are organised in various cities all over the country aimed at expanding the marketing opportunities for TribesIndia products and the country’s tribal heritage.
Over 104 million tribal people live in India, across 705 communities representing unique cultural diversity. By connecting agriculture and forest produce with markets using technology, creation of self-help groups, empowering women and creating self-sustainable enterprises, many tribal entrepreneurs are changing the face of tribal India. For India to become a global leader the contribution of every section of society is compulsory. The promotion of tribal entrepreneurship is directly related to the socio-economic development of these tribes, and in turn of the entire nation. Based on the three pillars of Engagement, Capacity Building and Market linkages, the commercialisation of tribal entrepreneurs in a sustainable manner seems a possible reality.