Implementation of Van Dhan Yojana in Jammu & Kashmir | 20 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs informed about the implementation of the Van Dhan Yojana in Jammu and Kashmir, under the Government of India’s Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), aimed at strengthening tribal livelihoods through value‑addition and marketing of tribal products. 

Key Points: 

• Scheme: The Van Dhan Yojana operates under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM). 
  • Supports tribal communities by fostering livelihoods through optimal utilisation of natural resources, value addition, marketing linkages, and sustainable enterprises. 
• Status in Jammu & Kashmir: As of March 2026, 100 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir, with a total sanctioned amount of ₹14.57 crore; out of these, three VDVKs are operational. 
• Institutional Support: Financial assistance is provided through the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) for establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), which engage tribal members in processing and marketing tribal products. 
  • Across India, TRIFED has sanctioned ₹612.27 crore for the establishment of 4,125 VDVKs.  
• Focus: The scheme promotes an enterprise‑based approach to generate additional income for Self‑Help Groups (SHGs) and tribal beneficiaries through activities such as collection, training, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing of value‑added products. 
• Marketing & Branding: TRIFED also empanels tribal artisans, SHGs, and cooperatives to procure tribal products and markets them through 116 TRIBES India outlets, e‑commerce platforms, and exhibitions like Aadi Mahotsav and Aadi Bazaar. 
• Significance: By integrating tribal producers into formal value chains and organised marketing, the Van Dhan Yojana aims to enhance livelihoods, strengthen tribal communities’ economic resilience, and improve market access for tribal products.