Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM)

Why in News?

The Government is seeking to strengthen the forest-based economy of tribal communities through the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM). The mission focuses on improving the processing, value addition and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) collected by tribal communities.

About Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) was launched in 2021–22 to create a more organised system for tribal communities to process, add value to and market Minor Forest Produce.

The mission seeks to move tribal communities beyond the traditional practice of selling raw forest produce by providing them with skills, technology, infrastructure and market linkages.

Objective of PMJVM

The main objective of PMJVM is to strengthen the tribal forest economy by combining traditional knowledge and locally available resources with modern processing techniques, technology and market access.

The mission provides support at different stages of the value chain, beginning with collection and processing and extending to value addition and marketing.

Major Components of the Mission

Skill Development

Under the mission, tribal gatherers are trained in scientific harvesting, processing and value addition of forest produce. This helps improve the quality and economic value of the products collected by tribal communities.

Infrastructure Support

The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) receives support for establishing processing facilities at beneficiaries' homes or in Government and Gram Panchayat buildings.

Processing Equipment

Depending upon the locally available forest produce, VDVKs can receive equipment such as cutting and sieving tools, decorticators, dryers and packaging equipment. These facilities enable tribal communities to undertake primary processing and value addition locally.

Working Capital

Financial linkages are facilitated through banks, financial institutions and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation to provide the required working capital.

Storage and Transportation

The mission also provides support for storage and transportation of forest produce on a rental basis, helping tribal communities move processed products towards markets.

Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Model

A key component of PMJVM is the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) model.

VDVKs bring together tribal forest gatherers through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and help them undertake primary processing and value addition of Minor Forest Produce.

A VDVK is generally formed by clustering around 15 Self-Help Groups, comprising approximately 300 tribal members.

At least 60% of the members are required to belong to Scheduled Tribe communities.

Link with Van Dhan Yojana

The Van Dhan Yojana, launched in 2018, forms the foundation of the VDVK model. It focuses on organising tribal communities and improving their income through value addition and marketing of Minor Forest Produce.