Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, stated that India's tribal communities are a powerful symbol of harmony with nature and play a crucial role in environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Speaking at the Van Dhan Conclave at the Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted that tribal societies have, for centuries, lived in balance with forests, water, land, and biodiversity. He said their traditional knowledge and sustainable lifestyle offer valuable lessons for the entire world.
The Minister noted that despite their contributions, tribal communities were long deprived of fair value for their forest and agricultural produce. He said middlemen often exploited tribal producers by purchasing minor forest products such as mahua, tendu leaves, honey, lac, and sal seeds at low prices, denying them rightful income.
The Minister added that the government has shifted its focus from welfare to empowerment by creating dignified livelihood opportunities. He highlighted the launch of the Van Dhan Yojana in 2018 to promote value addition, skill development, and better market access for tribal products.
He also underlined the role of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation- TRIFED in strengthening tribal economies through training in processing, packaging, and marketing. Emphasizing accountability, he called for regular evaluation of Van Dhan Kendras and self-help groups to ensure that benefits reach grassroots beneficiaries effectively. The Minister emphasised that, along with quality, modern packaging and branding are essential to compete in national and global markets.