Replying to a question by Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade, the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, informed the Rajya Sabha today that TRIFED has entered into collaborations with organizations like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to encourage tribal entrepreneurship. These partnerships were formalized through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed in February 2025.
Objectives of the MoUs:
- Improving product designs to make tribal crafts more appealing to a broader market.
- Infusion of technology to enhance production processes and product quality.
- Enhancement of market access through both online and offline platforms.
These collaborations aim to strengthen and promote tribal products while preserving and spreading tribal culture across India. The initiatives will help provide sustainable livelihoods, particularly benefiting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), by driving entrepreneurship, skill development, and global recognition of tribal craftsmanship.
Market Expansion and Retail Initiatives
TRIFED actively markets tribal products through TRIBES India outlets, e-commerce platforms, and exhibitions. Partnerships with various organizations will expand the reach of these products by integrating them into production clusters, providing direct market access, and implementing fair pricing mechanisms.
So far, TRIFED has facilitated the onboarding of over 13,000 tribal artisan-made products on e-commerce platforms. Based on specific proposals, TRIFED may scale up similar partnerships with other organizations to further enhance the market presence and economic viability of tribal products.
