TRIFED: Full Form, Objectives, Function, Initiatives
Deeksha Dixit18 Mar, 2025
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TRIFED, also known as the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, is a statutory organization. It was established in 1987 with the aim of promoting the socio-economic development of tribal communities in India. The organization works towards empowering tribals by enhancing their livelihoods. Read on to learn more about it!
TRIFED Full Form
TRIFED stands for Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. It is an organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Established in 1987, it ensures that tribals get access to markets, training, and better livelihood opportunities. The federation promotes the sale of tribal handicrafts, handlooms, and natural products across India. Through various schemes, TRIFED strengthens the tribal economy and enhances their standard of living.
About TRIFED
TRIFED is a national-level cooperative that works for the socio-economic welfare of tribal communities. TRIFED operates through multiple regional offices and sales outlets, ensuring direct market access. By promoting tribal art and culture, it also preserves indigenous traditions and creates self-reliance among tribal artisans.
| About TRIFED | |
| Full Name | Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) |
| Established | August 1987 |
| Legal Status | Statutory body registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 |
| TRIFED Headquarters | Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi |
| Administered By | Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India |
| Primary Focus | Economic and social development of tribal people through marketing and trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) |
| Key Objectives |
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| Major Initiatives | Establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, Haat Bazaars, and TRIFOOD units, Digital Connect programs, PTP-NER Scheme, Retail Marketing, Minor Forest Produces |
| Activities |
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| Challenges Addressed | Issues like lack of marketing infrastructure, exploitation by middlemen, perishable nature of products, and limited market access |
Objectives of TRIFED
TRIFED has several key objectives aimed at improving the lives of tribal communities. Some of its major goals include:
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Ensuring fair trade practices for tribal products by eliminating middlemen.
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Providing market access for tribal artisans and producers across the country.
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Enhancing the livelihood of tribals through skill development and training.
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Encouraging sustainable use of natural resources for tribal product manufacturing.
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Promoting tribal entrepreneurship by supporting self-help groups and cooperatives through the marketing of traditional handicrafts and textiles.
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Increasing tribal participation in national economic activities by integrating them into supply chains.
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Strengthening financial independence by providing credit facilities and business support to tribals.
Also Check, ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana’
Functions of TRIFED
TRIFED performs multiple functions to support tribal communities. These include:
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Marketing Support: TRIFED helps tribals sell their products through dedicated retail outlets like Tribes India.
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Skill Development: It organises training programs to improve the quality of tribal handicrafts and natural products.
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Financial Assistance: TRIFED provides funding and credit facilities to tribal entrepreneurs.
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Value Addition: It helps in the processing and packaging of tribal products to enhance their market value.
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E-Commerce Integration: TRIFED enables online sales of tribal products through its official website and partnerships with platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
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Promotion of MFP (Minor Forest Produce): The federation supports tribals in collecting and marketing forest products like honey, bamboo, and medicinal plants.
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Export Promotion: It helps tribal artisans expand their market reach beyond India.
- Livelihood Support: TRIFED ensures tribal communities gain stable and sustainable income sources.
Key Initiatives by TRIFED
TRIFED has launched several initiatives to promote tribal welfare. These programs focus on economic, social, and cultural empowerment. Some of the major initiatives include:
1. TRIFOOD Scheme
The TRIFOOD Scheme is a joint effort by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and TRIFED, which aims to enhance tribal incomes by adding value to Minor Forest Produce. It creates local employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, and sustainable economic growth.
2. Pradhan Mantri VAN DHAN Yojana
This scheme supports the collection, processing, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). It enables tribals to earn better income through value-added forest products like honey, tamarind, and herbal goods. So far, 55,036 Van Dhan Self-Help Groups (VDSHGs) have been formed to support the initiative.
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What is Minor Forest Produce? Minor Forest Produce (MFP) refers to all non-timber forest products of plant origin like bamboo, honey, lac, and medicinal plants, which are crucial for the livelihoods of tribal communities. MFP provides food, income, and essential resources for forest dwellers. |
3. Marketing Development Program
TRIFED organises trade fairs, exhibitions, and e-commerce tie-ups to increase the reach of tribal products. Tribes India is the official retail chain by TRIFED, which sells tribal handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and organic products. Its retail marketing has positively impacted 218,500 artisan families. With 117 retail outlets across the country, it has generated a 36 crore sale, enhancing tribal income.
4. Aadi Mahotsav
An annual cultural festival that promotes tribal art, cuisine, and heritage. It provides a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and products to a larger audience. Aadi Mahotsav 2025 was held from February 16 to 24, 2025 in New Delhi. Over 600 tribal artisans and 500 performing artists showcased diverse traditions in this event.
5. e-Commerce Expansion
TRIFED has collaborated with major online marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, and Paytm. This initiative ensures that tribal products are available to a global customer base. It has also launched an e-commerce portal, www.tribesindia.com, which features a wide array of tribal products.
6. Skill Upgradation and Capacity Building
Through training programs, TRIFED helps tribals improve their craftsmanship. TRIFED collaborates with organizations like the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) to implement skilling initiatives. These initiatives focus on design development, packaging, and product quality enhancement.
7. Tech for Tribals
This program introduces digital literacy and business management skills to tribal entrepreneurs. It helps them adapt to modern technology and improve their economic prospects. The ‘Tech for Tribals’ initiative of TRIFED seeks to transform 5 crore tribal entrepreneurs through capacity building.
In conclusion, TRIFED plays a crucial role in uplifting tribal communities by promoting their products and ensuring fair trade practices. By integrating tribals into the mainstream economy, it helps the tribal population become self-reliant.
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TRIFED Scheme FAQs
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