It was launched in 2018 with the objective of improving tribal incomes via value addition of tribal products. It is organized by TRIFED along with Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Tribal community owned Minor Forest Produce (MFP)-centric multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (the Kendra) in predominantly tribal districts has been setup under the scheme. These Kendras are meant to act as common facility centres for procurement cum value addition to locally available MFPs.
A typical Van Dhan Vikas Kendra shall constitute of 15 tribal Van Dhan Self Help Groups (SHG), each comprising of up to 20 MFP gatherers i.e. about 300 beneficiaries per Kendra.
It shall facilitate linkages in both local and distant markets for sale of the processed/value added products produced by the Van Dhan SHGs.
The Kendras may also enter into tie-ups with private entities / NGOs for value addition and marketing on defined terms or may simply provide space to it members on custom hiring basis for processing of their produce in hygienic conditions. Besides, the Kendras shall also facilitate transportation and storage (on rental basis) on behalf of the SHGs for the MFPs/ raw material and the processed products.
Challenges
Convergence and co-ordination with similar schemes like MSP for Minor Forest Produce (MFP).
Supreme Court verdict on evictions of encroachers might have an impact on tribal livelihood. (forest conservation v/s tribal rights).
Overcoming the issues due to middlemen resulting into less income into the hand of tribals.
The government must make suitable policy changes to counter the above challenges.
