New Delhi, November 12, 2025:
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, has pledged full government support for promoting tribal products in domestic and global markets. Addressing the Tribal Business Conclave 2025, he said that the Department of Commerce will extend assistance through e-commerce platforms, international warehouses, and global trade networks to enable tribal artisans and entrepreneurs to reach international buyers.
The conclave, organized by DPIIT in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Culture, coincided with the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
Empowering Tribal Entrepreneurship
Shri Goyal emphasized that India’s growth is incomplete without the prosperity of its indigenous people. He highlighted that the budget allocation for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has risen by 50%, and that under the PM-Janman Yojana, nearly 50 lakh tribal families have benefited from welfare measures worth ₹24,000 crore.
The Minister also announced an 80% reduction in the fee for Geographical Indication (GI) registration—from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000—to encourage more tribal artisans to safeguard their cultural heritage and improve market recognition for their unique crafts.
Major Announcements at the Conclave
- Launch of Gramya Yuva Arth Niti (GYAN) Lab
Developed by the Ashank Desai School of Public Policy (IIT Bombay) and PRAYOGI Foundation with DPIIT’s support, the GYAN Lab aims to create scalable models for tribal enterprise and innovation through real-time policy pilots, digital tools, and field learning. - Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge
Launched in collaboration with Startup India and DPIIT, this challenge invites startups to design impactful business solutions for tribal communities, offering mentorship, funding, and visibility. - Roots to Rise Pitching Session
Out of 115 shortlisted tribal enterprises, 43 with DPIIT registration received investment interest from 50+ VCs and investors, including IFCI Venture Capital and Arora Venture Partners, totaling commitments of over ₹10 crore. These ventures have generated 1,500 direct and 10,000+ indirect jobs, serving 20,000 tribal beneficiaries nationwide. - Geographical Indication Recognition
GI certificates were awarded to a range of tribal crafts and products, including Kannadippaya (Bamboo Mat) – Kerala, Apatani Textile – Arunachal Pradesh, Marthandam Honey – Tamil Nadu, Bodo Aronai – Assam, Ambaji White Marble – Gujarat, and Bedu & Badri Cow Ghee – Uttarakhand. These recognitions will boost market access, authenticity, and brand visibility for tribal artisans. - Market Access Boost
The conclave saw strong participation on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), with 60+ registrations and 50+ positive inquiries for tribal business collaborations.
Celebrating Tribal Heritage
Over 250 tribal enterprises, 150 exhibitors, and 100+ startups participated in the conclave. The event also hosted six panel discussions and four masterclasses on investment, skilling, sustainability, branding, and market innovation. Cultural performances and thematic displays under the theme “Tribal Bharat @ 2047: Sustaining Culture, Scaling Commerce” celebrated India’s indigenous artistry and enterprise.
FICCI and PRAYOGI partnered as the Industry and Knowledge Partners, respectively, supporting the initiative’s mission of empowering tribal entrepreneurship for Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Why It Matters for the Industry
The government’s renewed focus on tribal products aligns with India’s broader strategy of inclusive growth + export diversification. For sectors like handicrafts, textiles, organic produce, and natural materials, this initiative could unlock access to premium international markets while creating sustainable livelihoods for rural and tribal communities.