Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission Tribal Support Program
The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) addresses the economic challenges faced by India's 10.4 crore Scheduled Tribes who derive 20-40% of their annual income from Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Historically, tribals sold produce to middlemen at distress prices below the cost of their labor. The mission organizes tribals into community-owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) to transition them from raw produce sellers to value-adding entrepreneurs.
Regulatory Framework and Procurement Mechanism
The program operates under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (Forest Rights Act), which defines minor forest produce as "all non-timber forest produce of plant origin including bamboo, brush wood, stumps, cane, tussar, cocoons, honey, wax, lac, tendu or kendu leaves, medicinal plants and herbs, roots, tubers and the like." The government has notified Minimum Support Prices for 87 MFP items under PMJVM. The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) purchases non-timber forest produce at pre-determined MSP regardless of market prices through state implementing agencies including tribal development cooperatives and forest development corporations. Since 2013-14, state governments have procured 2,67,954 metric tonnes of MFPs worth ₹693.98 crore under the scheme.
Implementation Structure and Support Mechanisms
The mission mobilizes tribal gatherers into self-help groups, with 15 SHGs (approximately 300 tribals) clustered into one Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, requiring at least 60% ST membership. As of July 31, 2026, 4,172 VDVKs have been sanctioned with 2,911 functional VDVKs reporting sales of approximately ₹168 crores, linking 12.48 lakh tribal members to the scheme.
The program provides comprehensive support including infrastructural support in beneficiaries' homes or government buildings, primary processing equipment (cutting tools, sieving tools, decorticators, dryers, packaging tools), training for 30 members on sustainable harvesting and value addition with raw materials and trainee kits, working capital facilitation through financial institutions and NSTFDC, and storage/transportation support on rental basis.
Market Linkages and Business Development
VDVKs are established around local Haat Bazaars (over 5,000 in tribal areas, being modernized with permanent structures, storage, drinking water, shade, and weighing equipment) to facilitate product sales. The program enables partnerships with private entities or non-profits for value addition or marketing, provides market intelligence including daily rates and e-commerce avenues through TRIFED, and offers branding/promotion through festivals, exhibitions, and artisan melas. Additional support includes geo-tagging of VDVKs, Geographical Indicators for tribal produce, IT/e-commerce platform development, and research and development support.
Women Empowerment and Success Story
The program significantly empowers tribal women who conduct most collections and sales. The Nyigamane, Ho Yorbe, Medumhagdum VDVK in Arunachal Pradesh's Leparada district (established October 2021 with 300 women SHG members) processes local non-timber forest and agricultural produce into marketable goods including King Chilli Pickle, Bamboo Shoot Pickle, Turmeric Powder, Ginger Powder, Pineapple Jam, Pineapple Squash, and Orange Squash. The VDVK has generated ₹11 lakh in sales from 2022-23 onwards, providing year-round income beyond seasonal agriculture and giving women joint ownership of the business.