Van Dhan Vikas Kendra is an initiative of TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the objectives to promote Tribal enterprise through Value addition, branding and marketing of Forest produce
TFM Kangpokpi Representative
As part of the observation of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi on Wednesday launched another three Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) at Kangpokpi District Headquarters.
Three Van Dhan Vikas Kendras namely, Keithelmanbi VDVK, Buning VDVK and Ningthoupham VDVK were launched during an advocacy-cum toolkit distribution to Self Help Groups on value addition of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) held at the multipurpose hall, DC office, Kangpokpi.
Earlier, DFO Kangpokpi had already launched three Van Dhan Vikas Kendra such as Hengbung VDVK, T.Waichong VDVK and Konsakhul VDVK last year.
Johnson Meitei, MCS, Additional District Magistrate, Kangpokpi graced the advocacy-cum-toolkit distribution to Self Help Groups on value addition of non-timber forest products as chief guest while Chinpilhing Kipgen, DFO Kangpokpi and Th Lhingkhonei, Addl.CEO SHADC Kangpokpi attended as president and guest of honour respectively.
In her keynote address, DFO Kangpokpi Chinpilhing Kipgen said that Van Dhan Vikas Kendra is an initiative of TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the objectives to promote Tribal enterprise through Value addition, branding and marketing of Forest produce while it target livelihood generation for the tribal population by harnessing the wealth of forest and to improve tribal incomes through value addition of forest produce.
She continued that PMVDY is quite unique that instead of superimposing new skills for livelihood promotion, it seeks to use traditional skills, upgrading the same through technology and market intelligence.
She also said that among many Indian states, Manipur, in particular, has emerged as the champion state where the Van Dhan program has emerged as a major source of employment for the tribals.
She further said that tribes are the best conservator of forests, if only the forest can sustain them and the symbiotic relationship between tribes and forests needs to be appreciated and encouraged.
Johnson Meitei, MCS, ADM Kangpokpi also spoke on the occasion.
Toolkits and equipment were provided to 45 Self Help Groups under the three Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. The three Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) comprise of 900 members from 45 SHGs of about 20 villages of the District.
Toolkits and equipment including cylinder with connection, Gas burner, storage box, sealing machine, weighing balance, mixer grinder, fruit basket, pressure cooker, SS flat bottom saucepan with lid, SS Kadhai, Turpolin, knife sets, spoon set chooping board, stainless steel strainer, flour sieve, peeler, plastic measuring bucket, apron with head gear, jumbo box etc. were distributed to the SHGs during the occasion.
DFO Kangpokpi also said that the Self Help Groups shall be imparted training in value addition, branding and marketing while adding that she will strictly monitor the functioning of the Self Help Groups.