TRIFED: Full Form, Objectives, Functions, TRIFED Scheme
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
TRIFED full form is Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. TRIFED is under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 and the main purpose of TRIFED is to bring socio-economic development to the tribal people of India. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs administers the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
By bridging the gap between tribal artisans and mainstream markets, TRIFED strives to preserve indigenous cultures, generate sustainable livelihoods, and uplift the socio-economic status of tribal communities. Through its various initiatives and collaborations, TRIFED continues to champion the cause of tribal welfare, preserving their rich heritage.
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What is TRIFED?
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India or TRIFED is a national-level apex organization that came into existence in 1987. It is mandated to bring socio-economic development to the tribes in India. TRIFED has been registered as a National-level cooperative body by the Government of the country.
TRIFED Notes
The focus is on institutionalizing the trade of Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) & Minor Forest Produce (MFP)collected/ cultivated by them. TRIFED supports the formation of Self Help Groups. It also helps the tribal people manufacture products for both national and international markets on a sustainable basis. TRIFED head office is located in New Delhi, and it has 13 regional offices located at various locations in the country.
Latest News on TRIFED
- The TRIFED has launched “ Sankalp Se Siddhi”- Village and Digital Connect Drive to activate the VDVKs ( Van Dhan Vikas Kendras) in the villages.
Background of TRIFED
India has the second-largest tribal population in the world. It makes the tribal people an integral part of the country, and they have been known for their cultural heritage and rich tradition. It is important to note how and why TRIFED was formed.
- The country’s northeastern state bordering China and Burma, and the highlands and plains of its central-southern regions are the two major locations for tribal settlement.
- The tribal people are believed to belong to the oldest ethnological sector of the population. They are also commonly called Adivasi.
- Over the years, many initiatives have been taken by the Indian Government for the betterment of tribal people. The TRIFED and Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission are two examples.
Objectives of TRIFED
The objectives and aims of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India are as follows:
- The primary goal of TRIFED is to bring socio-economic development to tribal people in India.
- A major part of the income of tribal people comes from the production and manufacturing of products such as metal crafts, paintings, tribal textiles, pottery, etc. TRIFED aims to market these tribal products, and hence which would again boost the social and economic development of tribal people.
- In addition, it works as a service provider, and facilitator for tribes to sell their products.
- TRIFED also involves capacity building of tribal people through the formation of Self Help Groups, Sensitization, and imparting training to them for a particular activity.
- Another objective of TRIFED is to empower the tribal people with knowledge, the pool of information, and tools so that they can undertake their operations in a scientific and systematic manner.
Activities of TRIFED
The major activities done by the Government under TRIFED are MFP (Minor Forest Produce) Development, and Retail Marketing and Development.
Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Development
- Minor Forest Produce is a non-wood forest product constructed by the tribal people.
- It includes bamboo canes, gums, leaves, dyes, waxes, resins, and all non-timber, forest produce of plant origin. It also includes many forms of food including honey, nuts, wild fruits, lac, etc.
- These products provide cast and subsistence income for the people living near or in the forests in India.
- The MFP is primarily sold by women across the country, which makes them a major source of women empowerment.
- Basic products like medicine, food, etc. can be made out from the collected products and can be generated by selling them.
Retail Marketing and Development
- TRIFED aims to establish a business market for the tribal people. In this market, they can easily sell their self-created products.
- This body is also responsible for creating brands and selling tribal products.
- It has been marketing these products through various exhibitions, and retail outlets located across the country.
- TRIFED has opened 35 own showrooms and 8 consignment showrooms for tribal handicrafts.
Recent Initiatives by TRIFED
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India has launched Van Dhan Samajok Doori Jagrookta Abhiyaan which aims at educating the tribals on Covid-19 preventive measures and hygiene tips.
- TRIFED has also provided the Van Dhan Self Help Groups (SHGs) with hygiene products and masks.
- TRIFED focuses on revamping the Minimum Support Price for MFP to increase trivial livelihood.
- Schemes like Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) ensure the sustainability of the resource base by addressing the problems faced by tribals.
- TRIFOOD is another Scheme that promotes value addition to the Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, TRIFED, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Tech for Tribals program aims at capacity building and imparting entrepreneurship skills. It is an initiative of TRIFED supported by the Ministry of MSME.
- To make sure the existing schemes are reaching tribal people, TRIFED regional officials across the country have been visiting villages with huge tribal populations.
TRIFED UPSC
As the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam assesses candidates on their comprehensive understanding of various government schemes and initiatives, a deep knowledge of TRIFED and its initiatives becomes crucial for aspirants. TRIFED finds its relevance in the General Studies papers, particularly in GS-3 Syllabus. That’s why candidates need to cover this topic comprehensively while preparing for the upcoming UPSC CSE.
TRIFED MCQs
Question: TRIFED is an organization established under which ministry? a) Ministry of Tribal Affairs b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare c) Ministry of Rural Development d) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: a) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Question: The primary objective of TRIFED is: a) Promoting tourism in tribal areas b) Providing financial assistance to tribal entrepreneurs c) Enhancing the livelihoods of tribal communities through marketing support d) Conducting research on tribal culture and traditions
Answer: c) Enhancing the livelihoods of tribal communities through marketing support
Question: TRIFED works closely with tribal artisans and cooperatives to: a) Provide healthcare facilities to tribal communities b) Preserve and promote tribal arts and crafts c) Establish educational institutions in tribal areas d) Implement welfare schemes for tribal elders
Answer: b) Preserve and promote tribal arts and crafts
