Van Dhan Vikas Kendras: Adding Value to Tribals' Products and Helping them Make more Money
Approximately 1,800 men and women, organised into 13 VDVKs in three districts, are being trained to collect, process and add value to raw forest produce
By : P.V. Prasad
Update: 2025-04-24 18:11 GMT
Kurnool: Tribal communities in the Nallamala forest region, mainly in the Atmakur area, recently experienced a moment of pride. Some members were invited to witness January's Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. This opportunity, which was beyond their imagination, came to them thanks to the empowerment initiatives launched under the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra scheme.
The Chenchu tribal population, spread across the Srisailam project limits in Nandyal, Prakasam and Palnadu districts, is actively engaged in the cultivation and processing of forest-based products like Nannari roots, adda leaf plates and quality chilli powder.
Approximately 1,800 men and women, organised into 13 VDVKs in these districts, are being trained to collect, process and add value to raw forest produce. Each Kendra consists of 15 self-help groups, each of these comprising 20 members.
Under the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana, the central government provides `1 lakh per training session, equipping tribal members with entrepreneurial knowledge and practical skills. For instance, instead of selling Nannari roots at `450–550 per kg, they are now able to process the roots into juice. This helps them earn between `1,200 and `1,500 per kg. TRIFED is functioning as the state project implementation agency for the initiative.
Under the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana, the central government provides `1 lakh per training session, equipping tribal members with entrepreneurial knowledge and practical skills. For instance, instead of selling Nannari roots at `450–550 per kg, they are now able to process the roots into juice. This helps them earn between `1,200 and `1,500 per kg. TRIFED is functioning as the state project implementation agency for the initiative.
The Chenchu women, living in 188 tribal hamlets (Gudems)— 48 in Nandyal, 51 in Palnadu, and 89 in Prakasam — are leading this transformation. While Nandyal tribes focus on Nannari root and adda leaf collection, those in Palnadu are producing quality chilli powder.
Plans are under way to establish a processing and training unit in a repurposed tribal students’ hostel in Atmakur. The facility will provide direct training on machinery, quality checks, market strategies and product development.
Nannari (Sarsaparilla) is a medicinal plant widely used for treating skin conditions, arthritis, kidney ailments and for detoxification purposes. With increasing demand for such herbal products, officials are considering exports, which would also boost tribal incomes.
Nannari (Sarsaparilla) is a medicinal plant widely used for treating skin conditions, arthritis, kidney ailments and for detoxification purposes. With increasing demand for such herbal products, officials are considering exports, which would also boost tribal incomes.
The evolving initiatives are opening new avenues for economic empowerment, recognition and national exposure for these once-remote tribal communities.
Additional project director (in-charge) of Velugu, Gundala Nayak, said they are working to diversify traditional products. In response to feedback, they are experimenting with jaggery-based Nannari juice to reduce sugar content and are exploring sugar-free variants suitable for blending into other beverages like milkshakes, juices and ice creams.
Nayak added that more products are being considered that would align with a healthy lifestyle and do not pose any risk to people's health.