‘From Van Dhan to Vyapar Dhan’—Tribal Products to Go Global: Goyal

• Piyush Goyal announces full export support for tribal products through e-commerce and trade networks.
• Government working on new schemes to boost tribal exports under “Local Goes Global” vision.
• Fee for GI tag registration cut by 80% to promote tribal crafts and heritage.
• Launch of GYAN Lab and Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Nov: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday announced that all tribal products with export potential will receive full support from the Department of Commerce through e-commerce platforms, global warehouses, and trade networks. Speaking at the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, Shri Goyal called for a collective push to transform India’s tribal economy “from Van Dhan to Vyapar Dhan.”

The conclave, organised by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Ministries of Tribal Affairs and Culture, marked a milestone in Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.

Highlighting the government’s vision of “Local Goes Global,” Goyal said a new scheme is being prepared to strengthen export promotion and ensure that tribal crafts and goods gain visibility in both domestic and international markets. “The nation can truly prosper only when its indigenous communities prosper,” he stressed, reiterating the government’s focus on inclusive and sustainable development.

Paying tribute to Birsa Munda, Goyal said his life remains a guiding light for India’s tribal movement. “The tribal community has preserved its heritage, handicrafts, and traditions through resilience and determination,” he said, applauding their contribution to India’s cultural identity.

He revealed that the budget allocation for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has risen by 50 per cent this year and that under the PM-Janman Yojana, ₹24,000 crore has been disbursed to benefit around 50 lakh families from particularly vulnerable tribal groups. Additionally, 3,900 Van Dhan Kendras have uplifted over 12 lakh tribal members.

To encourage greater recognition for tribal craftsmanship, the government has reduced the fee for Geographical Indication (GI) tag registration by 80 per cent—from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000.

The conclave also witnessed major announcements, including the launch of the Gramya Yuva Arth Niti (GYAN) Lab, developed by IIT Bombay’s Ashank Desai School of Public Policy and PRAYOGI Foundation with the Ministry’s support. The lab will test models for tribal and rural enterprise growth through real-time policy and digital innovation.

The Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge, launched with Startup India and DPIIT, invites startups to design impactful solutions for tribal development, offering visibility and funding support.

The “Roots to Rise” pitching platform saw participation from over 250 tribal enterprises, with 150 exhibitors and 100 start-ups. More than ₹10 crore in investment commitments were made by venture capitalists and angel investors, generating 1,500 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.

The event also celebrated the distribution of GI certificates for crafts such as Kerala’s Kannadippaya, Arunachal’s Apatani Textile, Tamil Nadu’s Marthandam Honey, and Gujarat’s Ambaji White Marble, among others—marking an important step toward preserving India’s indigenous legacy.

Concluding his address, Goyal reaffirmed that India’s growth story will only be complete when its tribal and indigenous communities thrive. “We must ensure that every tribal artisan becomes a symbol of India’s cultural pride and global potential,” he said.