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The government is seeking to strengthen the tribal forest-based economy through the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), with emphasis on processing, value addition and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP).

About PMJVM

• Launched in 2021–22, PMJVM seeks to create an organised ecosystem that enables tribal communities to move beyond the sale of raw forest produce and earn higher incomes through skill development, processing, value addition, infrastructure and market linkages.
• The Mission combines traditional tribal knowledge and locally available forest resources with modern technology and markets. Support is provided across the value chain—from collection and scientific harvesting to processing, storage, transportation and marketing.

Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) Model

A key component is the VDVK model, which brings tribal forest gatherers together through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for primary processing and value addition.

A typical VDVK is formed by clustering around 15 SHGs, covering approximately 300 tribal members, with at least 60% members belonging to Scheduled Tribe communities.

VDVKs may receive:

• Skill training: Scientific harvesting, processing and value addition.
• Infrastructure: Facilities at beneficiaries’ homes or in government/Gram Panchayat buildings.
• Processing equipment: Cutting and sieving machines, decorticators, dryers and packaging equipment, depending on local produce.
• Working capital: Financial linkages through banks, financial institutions and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC).
• Storage & transportation: Support on a rental basis.

The Van Dhan Yojana, launched in 2018, forms the foundation of the VDVK approach.