Van Dhan Vikas Yojana

Van Dhan Vikas Yojana is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at empowering tribal communities by promoting the sustainable harvesting, value addition, and marketing of non-timber forest products (like medicinal herbs, honey, and handicrafts). It helps tribal entrepreneurs, especially small-scale artisans and gatherers, to organize into collectives or tribal SHGs (Self-Help Groups). This program provides training, infrastructure, and market linkages, enabling tribes to improve their livelihoods, preserve their traditional knowledge, and achieve economic self-sufficiency, all while conserving forest resources.