What Challenges Does TRIFED Face Due to Low Demand?
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Synopsis
The Lok Sabha recently highlighted the challenges facing TRIFED, including low market demand for tribal products, funding delays, and the need for better market linkages. With a focus on improving the socio-economic status of tribal communities, TRIFED continues to strive for better outcomes despite these hurdles.
Key Takeaways
- Low demand for tribal products hampers TRIFED's efforts.
- Delayed fund utilization by state agencies poses challenges.
- TRIFED aims to improve the socio-economic status of tribal communities.
- Sales of tribal products have reached Rs 129.86 crores.
- Strategic improvements in market linkages are essential.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The low demand for tribal products in the market, delayed utilization of funds by state Implementing Agencies, and market linkages pose significant challenges for the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, as reported to the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
TRIFED, a national-level apex organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, received financial assistance of Rs 111.70 crore for 2024-25, as stated by Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey in a response.
The primary aim is to enhance the socio-economic well-being of tribal communities by enabling the marketing of their products.
He informed the House that the review of schemes and programs implemented by TRIFED is a regular process that occurs periodically.
Despite claiming no recent third-party reviews of the schemes executed through TRIFED, the MoS mentioned that currently, there are no plans for restructuring TRIFED by the Ministry.
To date, TRIFED has sanctioned 4130 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) scheme, benefiting 12,35,308 individuals, along with 531 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) VDVKs under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adiwasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), which supports 45,480 beneficiaries, he stated.
The MoS noted that all these VDVKs have recorded sales of tribal products totaling Rs 129.86 crores thus far.
Additionally, TRIFED has undertaken procurement worth Rs 97.18 crore from its empaneled tribal artisans/SHGs over the past five years for marketing via its Tribes India outlets and various eCommerce platforms, he added.
There are generally no delays or gaps in procurement, marketing, or payment disbursement to tribal artisans/suppliers, he replied to inquiries.
The MoS emphasized that VDVKs established under PM-JANMAN and PMJVM are focused on promotional activities for the livelihoods of PVTGs and other tribal communities residing in remote regions, as well as areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
He was addressing questions posed by Vijaya Kumar Alias Vijayavasanth, Suresh Kumar Shetkar, and Manickamtagore B.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize that the challenges confronting TRIFED highlight systemic issues that need urgent attention. The socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities is critical, and addressing these challenges with a robust strategic approach will ensure that the potential of these communities is fully realized.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TRIFED?
TRIFED stands for the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, an apex organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs focused on supporting tribal communities.
What challenges does TRIFED face?
TRIFED faces challenges including low demand for tribal products, delayed fund utilization by state agencies, and the need for improved market linkages.
How much financial assistance did TRIFED receive?
TRIFED received financial assistance of **Rs 111.70 crore** for the year **2024-25**.
What has TRIFED achieved so far?
TRIFED has sanctioned **4130 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras** and facilitated sales of tribal products amounting to **Rs 129.86 crores**.
What is the goal of TRIFED?
The primary goal of TRIFED is to enhance the socio-economic well-being of tribal communities through effective marketing strategies.
