The TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) operating under Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding with Akhil Bhartiya vanvasi Kalyan Ashram to setup TRIFOOD parks in Madhya Pradesh.

What are the key highlights of the Memorandum of understanding?

According to the MoU, TRIFED and  Akhil Bhartiya vanvasi Kalyan Ashram will together implement Van Dhan Yojana. This is to be achieved through mobilization of self help groups, TRIFOOD parks, Van Dhan Vikas Kendra. They will together provide machinery and equipment, identify self help groups, organised training and building infrastructure. They will also focus on other activities such as Horticulture, fisheries, floriculture, animal husbandry and craft. They will mainly work to to improve the livelihood of tribals.

What is TRIFOOD?

The TRIFOOD is a joint initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of food processing industry and TRIFED. It was launched under Van Dhan Yojana in August 2020. The TRIFOOD Parks are food processing centres. They will aim to promote value addition to the minor forest produce.

What are the main functions of TRIFOOD?

The TRIFOOD Parks will procure raw materials from Van Dhan Kendras. They will then be processed and sold across the country through the tribes India outlets.

Who decides the minimum support price for minor forest produce?

Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It is revised once in three years by the pricing cell constituted under the ministry.

Who decides the minimum support price of food crops?

The minimum support price of food crops other than the minor forest produce is set by Commission for agricultural costs and prices operating under Department of Agriculture and cooperation.

The minimum support price are set twice a year for 24 commodities.

Do the minimum support prices have legal backing?

There are no laws in India that protect or support the minimum support prices.