TRIFED: Full Form, Origin, Objectives, Functions | UPSC Notes

What is TRIFED?

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India or TRIFED is a national-level apex organization that came into existence in 1987.

• TRIFED 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.
• 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, TRIFED 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.
• 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.
• TRIFED 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.

Sample UPSC Question on TRIFED

Question– Consider the following statements about the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India(TRIFED).

1. It is a constitutional body and was established in August 1987

2. TRIFED helps tribal people manufacture products for national and international markets on a sustainable basis

3. It is administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Which of the above is/are correct?

1. Only 1 and 2
2. Only 1 and 3
3. Only 3
4. Only 2 and 3

Correct Answer – D

TRIFED UPSC

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India or TRIFED is a part of the UPSC Syllabus. That’s why Candidates preparing for the UPSC Exam need to have a deep understanding of TRIFED, and in that case, these TRIFED UPSC notes will come in very handy. This article would help the candidates to prepare this topic for both UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains. Candidates can download the TRIFED UPSC Notes PDF below and kickstart their preparation. Apart from the notes, candidates must choose the right UPSC Books for the UPSC Exam, and analyze the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers for better preparation.

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