Ministry of Tribal Affairs Launches National Initiative for Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Promotion of Sustainable Livelihoods in 16 Tribal Hotspots Across 13 States/UTs

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) launched a national initiative.
• The project, titled "Integrated Conservation, Agro-Technology and Bioresource Enterprise Development for Sustainable Tribal Livelihoods in Tribal Hotspots of India," was launched on November 12, 2026.
• It aims to conserve medicinal plant biodiversity and promote sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
• The three-year initiative covers 16 tribal hotspots across 13 States/Union Territories.
• Key interventions include documenting 200-300 medicinal plant species and propagating 30-40 Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) species.
• It also involves establishing 16 community nurseries and 16 seed banks, and distributing 40,000-50,000 quality planting materials.

Detailed Insights:

• The project seeks to harness traditional knowledge and indigenous bioresources to create enterprise opportunities for tribal communities.
• Initial fieldwork in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, involved documenting traditional medicinal practices from 146 tribal knowledge holders.
• The initiative emphasizes strong linkages with scientific institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), and local communities.
• Special focus is placed on involving tribal farmers, traditional healers, women, and rural youth in conservation and value-chain development.
• The Ministry aims to establish a replicable institutional model integrating biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and community-led enterprise.
• This project recognizes tribal communities as custodians of India’s biological and traditional knowledge heritage.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) Species: Plant or animal species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Agricultural science centers providing technology assessment, refinement, and demonstration to farmers.
• Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs): Centers established to provide skill upgradation and value addition to Minor Forest Produce (MFP) for tribal communities.