HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 13: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has said that all tribal products with export potential will be fully supported by the Department of Commerce through e-commerce platforms, international warehouses, and trade networks.
Addressing the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Goyal said a scheme is being developed to promote tribal products in domestic and global markets.
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Organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the conclave marked a key event during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
Goyal said that both domestic and international markets offer immense opportunities for tribal crafts and the government is taking steps to harness this potential. He emphasised that India can truly prosper only when its indigenous people prosper and that the upliftment of tribal communities remains a top government priority.
Paying tribute to Birsa Munda, he said his life continues to inspire efforts toward tribal progress.
He lauded the community’s resilience in preserving its heritage, handicrafts, and traditions despite hardships.
Goyal noted that the budget allocation for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been raised by 50 percent this year and that under the PM-Janman Yojana, around 50 lakh families belonging to particularly vulnerable tribal groups have benefited, with ₹24,000 crore disbursed to improve their lives.
He announced that the fee for obtaining Geographical Indication tags has been reduced by 80 percent to encourage the registration of more tribal products.
Calling for a transformation from “Van Dhan to Vyapar Dhan,” he urged all stakeholders to work together to empower tribal communities and take their craftsmanship to global platforms, realising the vision of “Local Goes Global.”
The conclave, supported by FICCI and PRAYOGI as partners, witnessed participation from over 250 tribal enterprises, 150 exhibitors, and more than 100 start-ups showcasing their innovations.
It also featured cultural performances and distribution of GI certificates to artisans representing products such as Bodo Aronai of Assam, Apatani Textile of Arunachal Pradesh, Kannadippaya of Kerala, and Marthandam Honey of Tamil Nadu, among others, celebrating India’s rich indigenous heritage.
