With the aim to improve the livelihoods of tribal (both forest dwellers and artisans) and work towards tribal empowerment, TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs has decided to explore a convergence and build a partnership with Akhil Bhartiya Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra, a pioneering organization that has been working for the welfare of tribal in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand since 1952.
In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between the two organisations on January 3, 2021 to work together for setting up of TRIFOOD Parks in 5 districts in Madhya Pradesh.
The MoU was signed by Pravir Krishna, MD, TRIFED and Yogesh Bapat, General Secretary, Akhil Bhartiya Vanvasi Ashram in the presence of Durga Das Uikey, Member of Parliament from Betul, Madhya Pradesh.
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Pravir Krishna said that TRIFED has been actively exploring convergences with various like-minded organizations to continue our mission to improve tribal livelihoods. Engagement with Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram to undertake meaningful work will ensure round-the-year income earning opportunity for tribal by engaging them in a variety of economic activities ranging from agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, Medicinal & Aromatic plants etc. and go beyond Minor Forest Produces.”
The two organisations will work together by undertaking various initiatives all aimed at improving the livelihood of tribal people and implementation of the Van Dhan Yojana through the mobilization of Self Help Groups (SHGs) / Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVKs) / VPCs / TRIFOOD Parks.
With TRIFED as the mentoring organization, it has been agreed that Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram would form new Van Dhan Kendras in tribal areas by identifying SHGs, organize training, building infrastructure, and provide machinery and equipment and other support. Among other scope of activities, Kalyan Ashram will include other areas, viz agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, handlooms, crafts to keep the operations running year-long and make the Van Dhan scheme all-inclusive and viable.
