In Tripura, TRIFED has sanctioned 87 VDVKs, including 30 under PM-JANMAN and 57 under PMJVM, covering 18,666 beneficiaries. The figures assume significance for Tripura, where a large section of tribal communities depends on forest produce, traditional crafts, handloom and agriculture for livelihood. The VDVK model seeks to move producers beyond the sale of raw forest produce by promoting processing, packaging, branding and direct market linkages. Tripura’s tribal producers are also covered under the MSP framework for notified MFPs. The government said Tribal Artisan Empanelment Melas and events such as Aadi Bazaar and Aadi Mahotsav are also being used to connect Tripura’s tribal producers with wider markets.