TRIFED Partners with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo to Boost Tribal Businesses

New Delhi: In a significant move towards empowering tribal communities, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) has forged key partnerships with Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation, and Torajamelo Indonesia to enhance market access and economic opportunities for tribal artisans.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on February 19, 2025, during the ongoing ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, marking a pivotal step in integrating tribal businesses into mainstream markets. The agreements were exchanged between General Managers of TRIFED and representatives from the partnering organizations, in the presence of Ashish Chatterjee, Managing Director, TRIFED.

The partnership with Reliance Retail will enable the bulk procurement of tribal products, ensuring sustainable sourcing, branding, and promotion of these products across Reliance’s vast retail network. This collaboration will provide tribal artisans with access to a nationwide customer base and enhance their economic prospects.

Meanwhile, the HCL Foundation will focus on capacity building and skill enhancement for tribal artisans. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, HCL will support training programs, product development, and promotion across various platforms to help artisans diversify and strengthen their craft.

The collaboration with Torajamelo, Indonesia, is aimed at expanding international market opportunities for Indian tribal products. This partnership will open new sales channels in Indonesia, offering a unique platform for cultural exchange and global recognition of Indian tribal craftsmanship.

The partnerships were announced as part of ‘Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival’, a flagship event organized by TRIFED to provide direct market access to tribal artisans in major metros and state capitals. The festival, themed “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce”, reflects the rich heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s tribal communities.

The event was inaugurated by President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey, and Member of Parliament Ms. Bansuri Swaraj on February 16, 2025.