Little Andaman: In a landmark step towards the economic empowerment of one of the world’s most vulnerable tribal communities, the Onge tribe of Little Andaman has embraced entrepreneurship through a first-of-its-kind Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, transforming traditional knowledge and local resources into a sustainable source of livelihood. This indeed is a significant milestone achieved in the journey towards economic empowerment and self-reliance of the Onge tribe with the successful establishment and operation of a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) at Dugong Creek in Little Andaman
The initiative marks a major breakthrough in efforts to strengthen sustainable livelihoods among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), enabling the Onge community to harness locally available resources and participate in the mainstream economy while preserving their traditional way of life. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the VDVK is managed by seven Self-Help Groups comprising 56 Onge members. The groups have been trained in producing value-added coconut products such as copra and cold-pressed coconut oil, making productive use of the abundant coconut resources available in the region.
The Directorate of Tribal Welfare serves as the nodal agency for the project, while the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) acts as the State Implementation Agency and NABARD provides mentoring and technical support. The Government of India extended financial assistance of Rs. 2.80 lakh for establishing the centre.
Members of the Onge community underwent hands-on training in copra processing, coconut oil extraction and operation of processing equipment. Toolkits, including coconut peelers, de-husking tools, steel containers and knives, were distributed to support the venture. A modern cold-press coconut oil extraction machine installed at Dugong Creek has further enhanced production capabilities and product quality.
The initiative has already begun yielding encouraging results. Since becoming operational in June 2025, the Onge VDVK has emerged as a promising model of tribal enterprise. Its success was prominently showcased at the Adi Mahotsav 2026, the National Tribal Festival held in New Delhi, where the society generated nearly Rs. 3 lakh through the sale of coconut oil products. The event also helped the community establish valuable business linkages and explore wider market opportunities for its products.
Beyond the impressive sales figures, the project represents a transformative shift in the lives of the Onge people, fostering skill development, income generation and economic confidence. It demonstrates how targeted government interventions, coupled with community participation, can create sustainable pathways for the socio-economic development of indigenous communities.
More Read
The Dugong Creek VDVK is now being viewed as a model initiative in tribal development, showcasing how local resources can be effectively leveraged to build self-sustaining livelihoods while preserving the identity and dignity of one of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ most unique tribal communities.
