TRIFED Partners with NIFT and HPMC to Bolster Tribal Businesses through B2B Market Expansion

The MoUs were signed in the presence of TRIFED Managing Director Shri Ashish Chatterjee and NIFT Director General Ms. Tanu Kashyap.

In a strategic initiative to transition from a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) to a Business-to-Business (B2B) approach in tribal marketing, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has entered into a pivotal partnership with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd (HPMC). This collaboration aims to enhance market opportunities for tribal products by fostering product innovation, design excellence, and technological advancements in horticulture processing.

MoUs Signed to Propel Tribal Market Expansion

On February 24, 2025, TRIFED formalized its partnership with NIFT and HPMC through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed at the ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ festival held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, from February 16 to 24, 2025. The MoUs were signed in the presence of TRIFED Managing Director Shri Ashish Chatterjee and NIFT Director General Ms. Tanu Kashyap.

• TRIFED-NIFT Collaboration: The MoU was exchanged between TRIFED General Manager Shri Sandeep Pahalwan and NIFT Head Office Director Mr. Gaurav Mishra. This partnership aims to enhance the quality and market appeal of tribal artisans' handloom and handicraft products through expert curation and innovative design solutions.

• TRIFED-HPMC Collaboration: The MoU between TRIFED and HPMC was signed and exchanged by TRIFED General Manager Ms. Mamta Sharma and HPMC General Manager Shri Sunny Sharma. This collaboration focuses on upgrading technology and tertiary processing of horticultural and minor forest produce, thereby ensuring higher value addition and market competitiveness for tribal products.

Boosting Tribal Entrepreneurship through Market-Oriented Strategies

The partnership aligns with TRIFED’s broader vision of integrating tribal entrepreneurs into mainstream commerce by facilitating large-scale production, advanced design methodologies, and technological innovation. The initiative will create sustainable livelihoods and empower tribal communities by enabling them to cater to national and international markets through a structured B2B framework.

Aadi Mahotsav: A Grand Platform for Tribal Commerce

The MoU signing took place during the prestigious ‘Aadi Mahotsav,’ an annual flagship event showcasing the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s tribal communities. The festival was inaugurated on February 16, 2025, by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs; Shri Durga Das Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs; and Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament.

About the Partnering Institutions

TRIFED:

TRIFED operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, with the primary goal of uplifting tribal communities through structured marketing interventions. It plays a crucial role in connecting tribal artisans and entrepreneurs with wider commercial networks, ensuring economic sustainability and social empowerment.

NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology):

Established in 1986, NIFT is India’s premier fashion and design institute, offering advanced academic programs in design, technology, and management. With expertise in contemporary design and market trends, NIFT will aid in revamping tribal artisans’ products, making them more competitive and appealing to modern consumers.

HPMC (Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd):

Founded in 1974, HPMC is a state government enterprise dedicated to advancing the horticulture sector in Himachal Pradesh. The corporation specializes in processing and marketing fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural produce, ensuring quality enhancement and better market access for local farmers and producers.

A Future of Enhanced Tribal Market Access

With this landmark initiative, TRIFED, in collaboration with NIFT and HPMC, is poised to revolutionize the tribal product landscape. By embracing a B2B model, the initiative will drive greater market penetration, improve production efficiency, and expand revenue streams for tribal entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive growth and economic prosperity in India's tribal regions.