Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 30 June 2025
In a historic first, the Onge community of Little Andaman — one of the most isolated and vulnerable tribal groups in India — has made their cold-pressed coconut oil available for sale. The launch took place on 29th June 2025 as part of the celebrations marking JanJatiya Gaurav Varsh, which commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The initiative, supported under the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) scheme and the PM JANMAN Mission (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan), reflects a growing push toward economic empowerment and self-reliance among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). By offering cold-pressed coconut oil produced using locally sourced coconuts, the Onge community is stepping into the world of community-led value addition and commerce.
This development marks a turning point for the Onges — a semi-nomadic indigenous tribe with a population of fewer than 150 individuals, known for their deep connection with the forests and coasts of Little Andaman. Traditionally dependent on subsistence living, the Onges are now participating in structured economic activity, while preserving their traditional practices.
The cold-pressed coconut oil, now available for sale through the Onge VDVK, is being positioned as a natural and sustainable product — a testament to the capabilities and potential of India’s most remote tribal populations.
This achievement was shared on social media by the Tribal Welfare Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
