New Delhi: In a landmark move to enhance the economic prospects of tribal communities, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) has entered into strategic partnerships with Meesho, the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI). The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on February 18 during the ongoing ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
The collaboration aims to transition tribal businesses from a business-to-customer (B2C) model to a business-to-business (B2B) approach, expanding market access and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Key Objectives of the MoUs:
- Meesho: Facilitate the onboarding of tribal products onto its social commerce platform and provide training and capacity-building support for tribal suppliers.
- IFCA: Establish long-term collaborations with culinary professionals and hotel chains through its technology platform to promote tribal products in the food and hospitality sectors.
- MGIRI: Serve as a knowledge partner, conducting training and capacity-building programs for tribal artisans to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
The MoUs were exchanged in the presence of TRIFED Managing Director Shri Ashish Chatterjee, alongside representatives including Ms. Prachi Bhuchar (Meesho), Chef Manjit Gill (IFCA), and Dr. Ashutosh A. Murkute (MGIRI). This initiative is expected to bring tribal entrepreneurs closer to mainstream economic development.
The ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ festival, inaugurated on February 16 by President Droupadi Murmu, showcases tribal craft, culture, cuisine, and commerce, reinforcing TRIFED’s commitment to the socio-economic empowerment of India’s tribal communities.
