New Delhi: In a significant move to transition from a B2C to a B2B approach for tribal communities, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) has entered into a strategic partnership with Meesho, the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) to facilitate tribal businesses. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 18 February during the ongoing flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital from 16 to 24 February 2025, marking a pivotal step in implementing the B2B approach and expanding the tribal product market.
The principal objective of the MoU with Meesho is to facilitate the onboarding of tribal products onto its social commerce platform, alongside training and capacity-building initiatives for tribal suppliers. Meanwhile, the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) will support long-term collaborations with culinary professionals and hotel chains through its technology platform. Additionally, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) has partnered with TRIFED as a knowledge partner to conduct training and capacity building for artisans.
These MoUs were exchanged by General Managers of TRIFED with Ms Prachi Bhuchar, Head of Public Policy & Government Affairs, Meesho, Chef Manjit Gill, IFCA, and Dr Ashutosh A. Murkute, Director, MGIRI, in the presence of Ashish Chatterjee, Managing Director, TRIFED. This partnership marks a significant step towards the socio-economic development of tribal communities across the country. Through these and other ventures, TRIFED continues its mission to support the economic welfare of tribal communities and integrate them into mainstream development.
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the festival on 16 February 2025, in the presence of Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Durga Das Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, and Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament, New Delhi.
TRIFED is an organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, dedicated to the socio-economic development of tribal communities through the marketing of tribal products. TRIFED has been organising “Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival” to provide direct market access to tribal master artisans in major cities and state capitals. The festival’s theme, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce,” reflects the essence of tribal life.
Meesho is an Indian e-commerce platform that primarily focuses on social commerce. It enables individuals and small businesses to sell products online through its portal and social media channels such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. The platform offers a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, and home goods.
The Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) is a professional organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of the culinary arts in India. It serves as a national body representing chefs and culinary professionals across the country, advancing the culinary profession through education, networking, and collaboration with the hospitality industry.
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) is an institution in India dedicated to promoting rural industrialisation. It was established to carry forward Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of sustainable rural development and self-reliance through the promotion of small-scale and cottage industries.