Van Dhan Conclave highlights push for sustainable tribal livelihoods at Bharat Tribes Fest 2026

The Van Dhan Conclave, themed “Sustainable Livelihoods for Tribal India,” was inaugurated by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi as part of the ongoing Bharat Tribes Fest 2026.

Organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the conclave brought together policymakers, experts, academicians and tribal entrepreneurs to deliberate on strategies for strengthening tribal livelihoods.

During the event, Uikey visited stalls at the festival’s 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, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment – under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi – to empowering tribal communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities, entrepreneurship promotion and value addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). He highlighted the role of the Van Dhan initiative in improving incomes and strengthening market linkages for tribal populations.

The inaugural session featured remarks by TRIFED Managing Director M. Rajamurugan and a keynote address by Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Manish Thakur. Padma Shri awardee Chaitram Devchand Pawar also shared insights, emphasising the importance of capacity building, preservation of traditional knowledge and sustainable practices such as reuse and recycling.

The conclave included four thematic sessions focusing on community engagement, legal and operational challenges, strengthening Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) value chains, and expanding domestic and international market access. The discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration among government bodies, private sector stakeholders and non-governmental organisations.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission, over 4,100 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been sanctioned, benefiting more than 12 lakh tribal members across the country. Additionally, 540 VDVKs have been approved under the PMJANMAN scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

The conclave highlights the government’s focus on inclusive and sustainable growth by integrating tribal producers with evolving markets while preserving traditional knowledge systems.

The Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, showcasing the culture and enterprise of tribal India, will continue till April 5.