Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products/Produce is a central government scheme that helps tribal communities across India get complete support for making, adding value to, and selling their traditional craft and forest produce. The scheme works through tribal cooperatives and state agencies to build better infrastructure, improve product designs, and get fair market prices for tribal artisans and gatherers.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched this scheme in 2014-15. It merges the earlier Market Development of Tribal Products/Produce program and the Grant-in-aid to State Tribal Development Cooperative Corporations for minor forest produce operations into one easier support system. As of 2026-27, the scheme continues to give 100% grant-in-aid to approved implementing agencies.
Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products/Produce - Introduction
The scheme gives complete help to tribal communities, starting from production and value addition to brand building and market linkage. It also encourages the preservation of intangible tribal heritage and provides the infrastructure needed to make tribal products competitive in both local and international markets.
Support under this scheme is institutional rather than individual. It is meant for registered societies, cooperatives and corporations that work for the Scheduled Tribes, not for single applicants.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products/Produce |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infrastructure Development |
| Beneficiary States | All States |
| Category | Social Welfare & Empowerment, Skills & Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Registered Societies and Corporations |
| Sub Category | Aids, Appliances, Training, Skill Up-gradation, Welfare measures |
| Benefit Type | In-kind support |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Tribal Affairs |
| Implementing Agency | Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India |
Benefits
Under this scheme, approved institutions can get support for several key areas meant to boost tribal livelihoods. The main benefits are given below.
Market Intervention: Receive support to fix fair, equitable prices for tribal products, do procurement during harvest seasons to stop price drops, and run promotional activities to increase product demand in urban markets.
Training and Skill Up-gradation: Get access to training programs focused on improving product quality, creating high-value items, and modernizing designs through collaboration with institutions like the Khadi and Village Industries Commission.
R&D and Intellectual Property Rights: Use R&D efforts to develop new, cost-effective processing methods and secure IPR for traditional knowledge. For example, a local tribal cooperative in Bastar could receive technical support to patent their unique craft techniques and protect them from copying.
Supply Chain Infrastructure: Get support in developing efficient warehousing, cold storage, and processing units. This helps reduce spoilage and makes sure products reach the market in the best condition.
Trade Information and Branding: The scheme helps in creating strong brands for tribal produce and supports the use of web and SMS-based services to share crucial market data with tribal gatherers and artisans.
Eligibility
Support under this scheme is institutional rather than individual. It specifically targets the following types of bodies:
- Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED): The national level cooperative body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs that leads tribal product marketing.
- State Tribal Development Cooperative Corporations: State level bodies that work for the economic development of tribal communities.
- State Forest Development Corporations: Bodies that handle forest produce and related livelihoods.
- Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development) Federations: Federations that trade and develop minor forest produce.
- Other registered institutions: Bodies identified for specialized tasks like product design, patenting, GI certification, and export processing.
For tribal gatherers, TRIFED also runs related support under Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana which helps set up Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for forest produce.
Application Process
Implementing Agencies (IA) should lead the application process to access these funds. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Implementing Agencies should draft a complete proposal and an action plan detailing the budget requirements for the specific financial year.
STEP 2 - If you are representing TRIFED, submit the proposal directly to the Ministry. Other IAs should submit their proposals through their respective State Tribal or Welfare Departments.
STEP 3 - Make sure the proposal includes a detailed perspective plan. The Ministry prefers systems that remain clear and long-term over time.
STEP 4 - The proposal must include utilization certificates as per the General Financial Rules (GFR). Submit a self-declaration stating that no funding has been received from other sources for the same activities.
Documents
Before applying, make sure the following documentation is ready:
- Copy of the institution's registration certificate.
- Complete data on authorized and paid-up share capital.
- Audited turnover details for the last three years and projections for the current year.
- Complete financial records, including profit and loss statements for the last three years.
- Records of any previous grants received from the Central Government and pending utilization certificates.
- Annual reports and balance sheets from the last three years.
References
Official Website of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Detailed Scheme Guidelines PDF
FAQ's
What is the main objective of this scheme?
The primary goal is to create specialized institutions that support the Scheduled Tribes in marketing and developing products they rely on for their daily livelihood.
Who manages the implementation of this scheme?
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, is the sole body responsible for implementing this scheme.
When did this scheme begin?
The scheme was launched in the 2014-15 financial year.
Is this a central scheme?
Yes, it is a Central Sector Scheme where the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides 100% grant-in-aid to the approved Implementing Agencies.
What kind of activities are covered?
The scheme covers market intervention, skill training, R&D for new product designs, establishing supply chain infrastructure like warehouses, and building recognizable brands for tribal products.
How is an application submitted?
Implementing Agencies must prepare a detailed action plan and budget, then submit it to their respective State Tribal or Welfare Department to begin the approval process.