Union Minister for Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday said the government is strengthening cooperative institutions in tribal areas to boost livelihoods through value addition, processing and marketing of minor forest produce, handicrafts and organic products.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said the National Cooperation Policy, 2025 lays special emphasis on empowering weaker and marginalized communities, including tribals, through a stronger cooperative framework. He said States and UTs are being encouraged to strengthen forest-produce societies and develop them into multipurpose cooperatives based on local needs.
Highlighting the Van Dhan programme, Shah said TRIFED has established tribal-owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Clusters with 100% government assistance for collection and marketing of minor forest produce.
He added that eligible cooperatives can access financial support from NCDC, Central Ministries and State Governments. During the period under review, NCDC disbursed Rs 44.40 crore in Jharkhand and Rs 2,302.22 crore in Gujarat.
Shah also underlined measures such as PACS digitisation, promotion of NCOL’s Bharat Organics brand, NCEL-led export linkages and representation of SC/ST members on boards of Multi-State Cooperative Societies to enhance tribal incomes.
