To formalise this initiative, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 24th February 2025 in New Delhi, marking a significant step in implementing a structured B2B marketing approach and expanding the tribal product market.

The signing ceremony took place during TRIFED’s flagship event, ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi from 16th to 24th February 2025. The MoUs were signed in the presence of TRIFED Managing Director Shri Ashish Chatterjee and NIFT Director General Ms Tanu Kashyap.

The NIFT MoU was signed between TRIFED General Manager Shri Sandeep Pahalwan and NIFT Head Office Director Mr Gaurav Mishra. The HPMC MoU was exchanged between TRIFED General Manager Ms Mamta Sharma and HPMC General Manager Shri Sunny Sharma. Strengthening Tribal Livelihoods through Strategic Partnerships The partnership with NIFT aims to enhance the product curation and design development of tribal handloom and handicraft products, ensuring they meet contemporary market trends while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

The collaboration with HPMC focuses on technology integration and tertiary processing of horticultural and minor forest products, facilitating better value addition and wider market penetration for tribal produce.

Aadi Mahotsav 2025: Celebrating Tribal Art and Enterprise The Aadi Mahotsav—a grand celebration of India’s tribal heritage—was inaugurated on 16th February 2025 by President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu in the esteemed presence of Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram, MoS Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey, and Member of Parliament Ms Bansuri Swaraj.

About the Partner Organisations TRIFED The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, dedicated to the socio-economic empowerment of tribal communities by enhancing the marketability of tribal products.

NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) Established in 1986, NIFT is India’s premier institute for fashion, design, and technology, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes that combine creative innovation, technical expertise, and business acumen.

HPMC (Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd) Founded in 1974, HPMC is a state-government undertaking dedicated to horticulture development in Himachal Pradesh. It facilitates the marketing, processing, and value addition of the region’s fruits and vegetables, ensuring better market access for horticultural produce.

Paving the Way for Tribal Economic Growth This strategic collaboration between TRIFED, NIFT, and HPMC is poised to revolutionise tribal product marketing, ensuring greater market access, economic upliftment, and sustainability for India’s tribal communities. The MoUs set the stage for a more structured and scalable approach to promoting tribal craftsmanship and indigenous products on a national and international scale.