The Van Dhan Conclave, themed “Sustainable Livelihoods for Tribal India”, was inaugurated today by Shri Durgadas Uikey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, as part of the ongoing Bharat Tribes Fest 2026.
The conclave was organized by TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. On the occasion, the Minister visited various stalls at the Bharat Tribes Fest Bazaar and interacted with tribal artisans, appreciating their craftsmanship and encouraging them to expand their market reach while preserving India’s rich tribal heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Uikey stated that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government remains committed to empowering tribal communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities, entrepreneurship promotion, and enhanced value addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). He emphasized that the Van Dhan initiative has been instrumental in strengthening incomes and market linkages for tribal communities.
The inaugural session featured opening remarks by Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri M. Rajamurugan, IPS, a keynote address by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Manish Thakur, and insights from Padma Shri awardee Shri Chaitram Devchand Pawar.
The conclave brought together policymakers, experts, academicians, and tribal entrepreneurs for deliberations on strengthening tribal livelihoods. Shri Manish Thakur highlighted the importance of innovation, convergence, and market integration in building sustainable livelihood ecosystems.
Padma Shri Chaitram Devchand Pawar emphasized the need for capacity building, preservation of traditional knowledge systems, and promotion of sustainable practices such as reuse and recycling.
The conclave featured four thematic sessions focusing on:
Community engagement and grassroots solutions
Legal frameworks and operational challenges
Strengthening Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) value chains
Expanding domestic and international market access
The event witnessed participation from Central Ministries, State Governments, VDVKs, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and international organizations, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration. TRIFED continues to play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of tribal communities by promoting trade in Minor Forest Produce and tribal products.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), 4,172 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been sanctioned, benefiting over 12.48 lakh tribal members across the country. Additionally, under the PMJANMAN scheme, 540 PVTG VDVKs have been sanctioned, benefiting approximately 0.46 lakh members.
The Van Dhan Conclave reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth by strengthening tribal livelihoods and integrating tribal producers with evolving markets. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED reiterated their commitment to empowering tribal communities through initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods, preserve traditional knowledge, and enhance market linkages. Visitors are encouraged to attend Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, which continues till April 5, 2026, and experience the vibrant culture and enterprise of Tribal India.