Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram
This profile has been independently compiled from official gazette notifications and verified web domains. Source Authority Link: trifed.tribal.gov.in Authority: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Central) • State/Region: Central Scheme (All India) • Last Audited: 09 Sep 2026
Quick AI Summary
The Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram establishes Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) to provide skill upgradation and capacity building training for tribal gatherers, enabling value addition to Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and ensuring better price realization. It aims to transform tribal communities into entrepreneurs by leveraging traditional knowledge and forest resources.
Detailed Summary
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.
Key Benefits & Financial Assistance
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Eligibility Criteria Profile
| Comparison Criteria | Eligibility |
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| Minimum Age Limit | 18 Years or above |
| Maximum Age Limit | 65 Years or below |
| Gender Eligibility | Any |
| Occupation Status | MFP Gatherer / Forest Dweller / SHG Member |
| Caste Category | ST |
| Domicile State | All India (Central Scheme) |
Application Process Guide
- Identification of potential MFP clusters and formation of SHGs by the State Implementing Agency (SIA) / District Nodal Agency in consultation with Gram Sabhas.
- Submission of Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the SIA to TRIFED/Ministry of Tribal Affairs for approval of VDVK establishment.
- Sanction of funds and release of first installment to the State Implementing Agency for infrastructure creation and procurement of machinery.
- Registration of VDVK as a legal entity (Cooperative/Producer Company) and opening of bank account.
- Conduct of training programs for SHG members on sustainable harvesting, primary processing, and value addition.
- Commencement of operations: Collection, processing, packaging, and sale of value-added MFP products through Tribes India outlets, e-commerce, and local markets.
Common FAQs regarding this Yojana
Each VDVK is provided financial assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakhs, which includes Rs. 10 lakhs for infrastructure and equipment (capital cost) and Rs. 5 lakhs for working capital. Funds are released in installments through the State Implementing Agency to the VDVK bank account.
Yes, existing NRLM-compliant SHGs consisting of tribal MFP gatherers can be federated into a VDVK. The scheme encourages convergence with NRLM to avoid duplication and leverage existing social capital and bank linkages.
The scheme covers a wide range of MFPs including Honey, Mahua, Amla, Tamarind, Sal Seeds, Lac, Chironji, Wild Mushroom, Bamboo, Medicinal Plants, and other locally available produce. The specific items are selected based on local availability and market potential identified in the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
TRIFED facilitates marketing through the 'Tribes India' network of retail outlets, e-commerce platforms (Tribes India e-Marketplace, GeM, Amazon, Flipkart), exhibitions (Aadi Mahotsav), and tie-ups with state emporiums. VDVKs are also linked to the MSP for MFP scheme for procurement of raw produce at guaranteed prices.