FOREST PRODUCE-BASED COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES

The Ministry of Cooperation is promoting forest‑produce‑based cooperative societies in tribal districts of Jharkhand and Gujarat. The National Cooperation Policy 2025 calls for strengthening cooperatives of weaker sections, adding value to minor forest produce (MFP), and using the National Cooperative Database for district‑wise planning. TRIFED implements the Van Dhan programme, establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendra clusters with 100 % government assistance. Financial assistance is available through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and other schemes; NCDC disbursed ₹44.40 crore in Jharkhand and ₹2,302.22 crore in Gujarat. Measures include aggregation, processing, branding, market linkages, digitisation of societies, and representation of SC/ST members on multi‑state cooperative boards.