The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Of India Limited (TRIFED), on behalf of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is implementing Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce (MSP for MFP), Van Dhan Yojana under Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) and Promotion of Tribal Products in North Eastern Region (PTP-NER) schemes in Nagaland with the help of the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change as State Nodal Department(SND) and DUDA, MARCOFED AND NBHM as State Implementation Agency (SIA). In addition various other Government departments like Rural Livelihood Mission, DC Handicraft and Handloom and the State administration as well as District Administration of various Districts of Nagaland have also been helpful in conduct of our various activities in the State.
Here’s a closer look at the initiatives, their objectives, and their impact on the tribal community as was shared by DIPR.
Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce (MSP for MFP)
The MSP for MFP scheme aims to provide financial support to tribal gatherers of minor forest produce, ensuring fair prices for their products.
Under this initiative, TRIFED releases revolving funds to states based on their procurement proposals. In Nagaland, a total of Rs. 2.52 Crore has been allocated for the procurement of 87 identified minor forest produce items, including Hill Broom Grass, Zanthoxylum Dried, Nutgall, Rosella, Perilla, Wild Honey, Ginger dry, Dried king Chilli, Elephant Apple Dry and Bamboo Shoot. So far, the state has carried out procurement worth Rs. 1.34 Crore.
The scheme also funds the modernization of local haats (markets) and the creation of storage facilities, providing Rs. 5.00 Lakh per haat and Rs. 3.25 Lakh for storage development. To date, Rs. 0.66 Crore has been allocated for these improvements in Nagaland.
Van Dhan Yojana
The Van Dhan Yojana aims to promote sustainable livelihoods for tribal populations by organizing them into Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
TRIFED facilitate the formation of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), grouping together 300 tribal forest dwellers into 15-20 SHGs. Each VDVK receives Rs. 15 Lakh to support training, toolkits, and raw materials Branding Packaging and other related administrative expenses. In Nagaland, Rs. 42.60 Crore has been sanctioned for the formation of 284 VDVKs, benefiting over 85,198 tribal individuals. Of these, 163 VDVKs are operational, generating sales of Rs. 4.90 Crore. MARCO FED, DUDA and NBHM are playing a vital support in operationalisation of these VDVKs, it added.
Promotion of Tribal Products in North Eastern Region (PTP-NER)
The PTP-NER scheme aims to enhance the visibility and marketability of tribal artisans’ products.
Launched in April 2023, this scheme conducts Tribal Artisan Empanelment Melas (TAeMs) across the North East, including 17 in Nagaland. These events help identify tribal artisans and their products for marketing support. TRIFED provides logistical and marketing assistance, including purchasing products for sale through 119 Tribes India outlets and the online portal tribesindia.com.
In the past year and a half, 142 TAeMs have been conducted, addressing 1,003 beneficiaries in Nagaland alone. This has led to 613 tribal beneficiaries being empaneled and 260 sample products procured, amounting to Rs. 191,064. Additionally, purchase orders worth Rs. 112.43 Lakhs have been issued to artisans, with products worth Rs. 20.06 Lakhs already supplied.
Adi Bazaar
To further support tribal artisans, the Adi Bazaar was inaugurated on October 8, 2024, by the Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along. The event runs until October 16, showcasing 32 stalls from artisans across the North East. The bazaar offers a platform for handlooms, handicrafts, jewelry, metal crafts, and more, allowing visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the region.