Venkaiah Naidu asks Adivasi to turn entrepreneurs of forest produce

Vijayawada: Former Indian vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu asked tribal youth to turn entrepreneurs by promoting use of forest products and enhancing their income. He urged both the state and central governments to prioritise marketing of forest products and increase the income of tribal artisans.

The former vice president participated in the Tribal-Aboriginal Sammelanam organised by the Girijana Praja Samakhya and Girijana Vidyarthi Samakhya at the Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Sunday. At the event, tribal participants showcased their traditional cultural performances.

Venkaiah Naidu appreciated tribal artisans for creating unique and eco-friendly products using natural raw materials. He pointed out that there is a growing demand globally for tribal crafts. He urged artisans to capitalise on these opportunities using digital marketing and e-commerce.

The former vice president said tribal products should be contemporary, meeting the requirements of both national and international markets. He called on policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate in creating a supportive ecosystem for tribal artisans and ensuring better market access, so that they can improve their socio-economic status.

Venkaiah Naidu advised tribal people to learn Telugu and English alongside their mother tongue to overcome societal challenges.

He underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is implementing several schemes for development of tribal communities in the country. He encouraged the Adivasi to take advantage of these initiatives.