Manipur becomes model state in Van Dhan Yojana

New Delhi, Mar 19: The state of Manipur has emerged as the champion state, where the Van Dhan programme has emerged as a major source of employment for the local tribals. Since the time that the programme was launched in Manipur, in Oct 2019, around 100 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been established.

 

 

 

 

The Van Dhan Vikas Yojana is a programme for value addition, branding and marketing of Minor Forest Produces. The Yojana is implemented by establishing Van Dhan Kendras to facilitate creation of sustainable livelihoods for the forest-based tribes. One major scheme that has contributed to increasing employment and income generation among the tribal population is the Van Dhan tribal start-ups programme, a component of the the ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP’ Scheme.

 

 

Ever since its inception as the nodal agency working in the area of tribal upliftment, TRIFED has been implementing several programmes and initiatives. The focus of these initiatives is to make India self-reliant under the Atmanirbhar Abhiyan, with the motto, 'Go Vocal for Local, Go Tribal – Mera Van Mera Dhan Mera Udyam.' With an active cooperation and participation of the state govt at every level, the Van Dhan Kendras in the state of Manipur have turned out to be a model enterprise for the rest of the country.

 

 

 

The nodal office, along with the implementing agencies and ample support from district administration and other stakeholders, have been instrumental in mentoring the tribal entrepreneurs through team meetings, advocacy, workshops and trainings. Various cluster-wise training and skill development as well as upgradation for value addition of Non-timber Forest Produce (NTFPs) and entrepreneurial management have also been organised at the district levels through collaboration with existing companie.