ITDA Asks Tribal Women to Turn Entrepreneurs Using VDVKs

Visakhapatnam: Tribal women can leverage Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) and become successful entrepreneurs, observed joint collector M.J. Abhishek Gowda, in-charge Project Officer (PO) of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Paderu, in Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

He addressed a one-day training programme for 106 VDVK members representing 11 mandals in the district.

Abhishek Gowda pointed out that there is growing demand for organic products that tribal women can pick from forests. The women can add value to these products and increase their sales.

In this regard, the ITDA PO said obtaining organic certification can significantly expand the market reach of their products. He said products of VDVKs can be promoted through TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India), which can ensure that tribal products are available across the country.

The training programme addressed practical concerns related to VDVK products that Area Village Managers (AVMs) face. This would enable authorities take remedial measures to increase the product sales.

DRDA project director V. Murali pointed out that the 106 VDVKs are actively producing various value-added tribal products. These include coffee, items made from straw, tamarind products, brooms and small grain biscuits.

"Free machinery is being supplied to VDVKs through ITDA. VDVK members are being trained in using this machinery for manufacturing their products," Murali pointed out.

He underlined that additional infrastructure could be provided based on the feedback from VDVK members.