Indian Economy News

Government to promote tribal products in international markets: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal

The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, announced comprehensive support for tribal product exports at the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, pledging that all items with export potential will receive backing through e-commerce platforms, international warehouses, and wholesale networks. A dedicated export promotion scheme is under development to enhance market visibility and access. The minister emphasised the transformation from "Van Dhan to Vyapar Dhan," reflecting the government's commitment to tribal upliftment during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs' budget allocation has increased by 50% this year. At the same time, the PM-Janman Yojana has disbursed Rs. 24,000 crore (US$ 2.71 billion) to approximately 50 lakh families from particularly vulnerable tribal groups. Additionally, 3,900 Van Dhan Kendras have catalysed benefits for 21 lakh tribal members. To encourage Geographical Indication (GI) registrations, the fee has been reduced by 80% from Rs. 5,000 (US$ 56.38) to Rs. 1,000 (US$ 11.28), preserving indigenous heritage through craft recognition.
The conclave launched several initiatives, including the Gramya Yuva Arth Niti (GYAN) Lab—a public policy interactive lab by IIT Bombay and PRAYOGI Foundation-to create scalable models for tribal enterprises through real-time pilots and digital innovation. The Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge, announced with Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), invites enterprises to design high-impact tribal solutions with mentorship and funding. The Roots to Rise pitching platform selected 115 enterprises, of which 43 possess DPIIT registration, attracting over Rs. 10 crore (US$ 1.13 million) investment interest from more than 50 venture capitalists and angel investors for 57 enterprises. These ventures have created 1,500 direct and over 10,000 indirect jobs, serving more than 20,000 tribal people. The event also generated 60+ registrations on the Government E Marketplace and featured the distribution of GI certificates for products including Kannadippaya Bamboo Mat, Apatani Textile, and Marthandam Honey, celebrating tribal artistry while positioning indigenous enterprise at the core of India's development agenda.

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