Mary Kom named brand ambassador of Tribes India

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently launched the 'Punch Tantra' collection to promote tribal artefacts and named world boxing champion Mary Kom as the brand ambassador of 'Tribes India' – an initiative to promote tribal artefacts.

The Punch Tantra range promoted by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) includes handlooms and handicrafts which will be promoted by Kom. The event was graced by the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor, Deepak Khandekar, Secretary (Tribal affairs) and the Managing Director Pravir Krishna.

During the launch function, Mary Kom said, such initiatives would bring a great change in the lives of the tribal people, socially and economically.

Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said that the probable potential of TRIFED was much more than many other public sector units and if utilised properly, it may become a game changer in the Indian economy.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs commended the efforts of TRIFED for promoting tribal products through the network of Tribes India Showrooms, Aadi Mahotsavs/exhibitions and various e-commerce platforms namely, Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal and GeM which provide a window to national and international markets. TRIFED achieved a record sale of Rupees 20 crores during the last year and Rupees 7.83 crores during current financial year till August 2018, which is an increase of 109% over the sales made in the corresponding period during the last

financial year.

Minister also informed about the Minimum Support Price and Value Addition Scheme titled "Vandhan" for Minor Forest Produces which has now been extended to all states and under which value addition has been given high priority.

The Minister of State for Tribal affairs Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor commended the efforts of team TRIFED, who have during last year achieved milestones in terms of purchase, sales, MSP for MFPs and Vandhan.

The Secretary, Tribal Affairs stated that the TRIFED needs to strengthen these institutional arrangements and continue to work for the betterment of tribal artisans.

The Managing Director, TRIFED, Pravir Krishna extended vote of thanks and assured that all out efforts shall be made for increasing livelihood opportunities of tribal artisans and tribal entrepreneurs across the country.