Overview

The Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs implemented through TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India). The scheme focuses on the economic development of tribals involved in the collection of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) by helping them optimize the utilization of natural resources and provide sustainable livelihoods. It operates through the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), each comprising 15 Self Help Groups (SHGs) with approximately 300 tribal gatherers. These Kendras provide infrastructure for primary processing, value addition, packaging, and marketing of MFPs such as honey, mahua, amla, tamarind, and medicinal plants. The program ensures convergence with other schemes like PM Van Dhan Yojana and MSP for MFP to create a robust value chain, thereby increasing the income of tribal households and reducing distress migration.

1. Identification of potential MFP clusters and formation of SHGs by the State Implementing Agency (SIA) / District Nodal Agency in consultation with Gram Sabhas.
2. Submission of Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the SIA to TRIFED/Ministry of Tribal Affairs for approval of VDVK establishment.
3. Sanction of funds and release of first installment to the State Implementing Agency for infrastructure creation and procurement of machinery.
4. Registration of VDVK as a legal entity (Cooperative/Producer Company) and opening of bank account.
5. Conduct of training programs for SHG members on sustainable harvesting, primary processing, and value addition.
6. Commencement of operations: Collection, processing, packaging, and sale of value-added MFP products through Tribes India outlets, e-commerce, and local markets.