The Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized the Business-to-Business (B2B) meet in New Delhi as part of the ongoing Aadi Mahotsav. The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Mr. Arjun Munda, presided as the Chief Guest at the meeting.
The B2B Meet provided a direct interface between industry leaders, startup CEOs, tribal artisans and producers, paving the way for exploration of numerous business opportunities and their integration into the mainstream. Expert-led workshops and panel discussions delved into essential topics for entrepreneurial success, including branding strategies, packaging innovations, funding access and market identification.
During the event, a significant milestone was achieved with the signing of an MoU between Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) and corporate powerhouse ITC, establishing a collaborative framework under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) scheme. This initiative aims to leverage the strengths of both entities to empower tribal farmers and suppliers, particularly in states where turmeric cultivation is prevalent, promising to uplift rural economies and improve livelihoods. Celebrating the achievements of tribal women entrepreneurs, the event showcased their remarkable journey to global markets with support from TRIFED, underscoring the agency’s commitment to promoting their products and enhancing capacities.
The vibrant exhibition featuring stalls from approximately 250 tribal entrepreneurs captivated attendees with a diverse range of products, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. The B2B event has catalyzed new collaborations and partnerships, paving the way for tribal producers and artisans to offer unadulterated, natural, and organic products that promote health, enhance lifestyles, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.
The gathering included the presence of senior officers from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, including Dr. Naval Jit Kapoor, Additional Secretary, Mr. B.N. Prasad, Joint Secretary, and Mr. T. Roumuan Paite, MD, TRIFED.