Tribal Products Worth Rs 36.07 Crore Sold by TRIFED in FY24: Government Report

New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) A remarkable total of 4,990 tribal artisans and suppliers affiliated with the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) have achieved sales amounting to Rs 36.07 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24 through the distribution of tribal products, which encompass both organic and handicraft items, as disclosed in Parliament on Thursday.
In his written response to the Lok Sabha, Durgadas Uikey, the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, emphasized the utilization of e-marketing platforms such as Amazon.com, Flipkart.com, Paytm, Snapdeal.com, and GeM. He noted that TRIFED's sales for the fiscal year 2022-23 were Rs 35.74 crore, while for 2021-22, the sales reached Rs 43.42 crore.
During the fiscal year 2023-24, the Federation procured tribal products valued at Rs 18.04 crore. In the preceding fiscal year 2022-23, the procurement was Rs 15.20 crore, and for 2021-22, it stood at Rs 29 crore, as detailed by the MoS.
When questioned about initiatives to boost the sale and marketing of tribal products nationwide, the MoS explained that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is executing the 'Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission' (PMJVM) through TRIFED. This scheme facilitates backward linkages by empaneling tribal artisans and suppliers for the procurement of tribal products, including organic and handicraft items.
Discussing TRIFED's forward linkages, the MoS elaborated that the organization facilitates the sale of tribal products via its 'Tribes India' outlets and the e-commerce portal 'tribesindia.com', in addition to other e-marketing platforms like Amazon.com, Flipkart.com, Paytm, Snapdeal.com, and GeM.
The MoS also mentioned that TRIFED takes part in and organizes both national and international festivals and fairs, providing platforms for tribal artisans to display their products and connect with potential buyers, thereby enhancing their entrepreneurial endeavors.
In response to inquiries regarding TRIFED's involvement in national and international festivals for tribal artisans, the MoS confirmed that under the PMJVM scheme, the Ministry allocates funds to TRIFED for establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) aimed at adding value to Minor Forest Products (MFPs) and non-MFPs.
Regarding activities in Odisha, the MoS informed that 173 VDVKs have been sanctioned, benefiting approximately 50,000 tribal beneficiaries in the state.
Furthermore, a VDVK from the Kandhamal Parliamentary constituency in Odisha has collaborated with a corporate agency to supply turmeric sourced from the region, as stated by the MoS.