Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda on Wednesday presided over a Business-to-Business (B2B) meet organised by his ministry as part of the ongoing ”Aadi Mahotsav” here, which provided a direct interface between industry leaders, startup CEOs, tribal artisans and producers to explore numerous business opportunities and their integration into the mainstream.

Expert-led workshops and panel discussions delved into essential topics for entrepreneurial success, including branding strategies, packaging innovations, funding access and market identification.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Arjun Munda noted that the event underscored a profound commitment to fostering tribal entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

Secretary (Tribal Affairs) Vibhu Nayar emphasised the significance of the B2B session, highlighting its role as a catalyst for economic development, collaboration and empowerment among tribal entrepreneurs across diverse sectors.

During the event, a significant milestone was achieved with the signing of an MoU between Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) and corporate powerhouse ITC, establishing a collaborative framework under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) scheme.

This initiative aims to leverage the strengths of both entities to empower tribal farmers and suppliers, particularly in states where turmeric cultivation is prevalent, promising to uplift rural economies and improve livelihoods. Celebrating the achievements of tribal women entrepreneurs, the event showcased their remarkable journey to global markets with support from TRIFED, underscoring the agency’s commitment to promoting their products and enhancing capacities.

Engaging discussions and networking opportunities saw the active participation of 16 corporations, 4 startups, 3 industry confederations, 1 food chain restaurant, 8 SIA/SNDs, and 5 organic food dealers directly engaging with tribal artisans. These interactions aimed to broaden domestic and global markets for tribal products while providing insights into production capacities and procurement possibilities.

Further, the event saw 90 sellers registering through networking participants, with Meta representatives providing guidance on leveraging social media platforms for business expansion. Additionally, 20 sellers were successfully boarded onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network, marking a significant step towards digital integration and market accessibility.

The vibrant exhibition featuring stalls from about 250 tribal entrepreneurs captivated attendees with a diverse range of products, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.

The B2B event has catalysed new collaborations and partnerships, paving the way for tribal producers and artisans to offer unadulterated, natural, and organic products that promote health, enhance lifestyles, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.