There can be a qualitative change in the life of tribals and their income increased 2 to 3 folds if they learn how to work on value addition to raw minor forest produce worth about ₹2 lakh crore in tribal areas across the country. If value addition to the minor forest produce is done well the value of such produce may go up to ₹10 lakh crore.
This was stated by Pravir Krishna, managing director of TRIFED, an organisation of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Pravir Krishna who is an MP cadre IAS officer was here to have a talk with the state government on opening of Van Dhan centres in various districts of Madhya Pradesh through which tribals will get involved in value addition of raw minor produce under Van Dhan Vikas Yojna and sell it on higher rates in comparison to the rate of raw minor produce to have an enhanced income.
Krishna said in MP Van Dhan Vikas Kendra will be established in 13 districts within the next 3 months. In all, the central government is working on opening of about 3000 such centres in the country. Each of the centre will have 300 members out of whom 30 members each would constitute a self-help group. Sixty percent of the group will be from among tribals and remaining non-tribals.
Krishna said the government will provide training to the members and financial assistance and resources to them to do the value addition. The government would also provide to them access to the market and mandis. Besides, the government will help them store the produce in cold storage and transport the produce from one place to another for sale.
{{/usCountry}}Krishna said the government will provide training to the members and financial assistance and resources to them to do the value addition. The government would also provide to them access to the market and mandis. Besides, the government will help them store the produce in cold storage and transport the produce from one place to another for sale.
{{/usCountry}}“Running business is not an easy task. Even if 40% to 50% of the groups succeed this will be considered a good success rate. The rest will be further given training and assistance to get involved in the business again”, said Krishna.
He said there were various products made by tribals being sold online. E-commerce of the products will be launched formally on May 20. This would also help tribals earn enhanced income.