The Hindu Business Line : Godrej Agrovet to focus on rural marts

Marts to help rural consumers in the buyback of output, crop finance, supply of agri-inputs and animal feeds, transfer of information (weather, price, and demand supply), etc

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New Delhi Feb.24 Godrej Agrovet Ltd, the retailing arm of the Godrej Group, said it would step up focus on its `Aadhar Krishi Gurukuls', which impart structured courses in agri-practices and agri-marketing to rural youth.

Speaking at Technopak's 8th Marketing and Retail Conclave 2007, the Managing Director of Godrej Agrovet Ltd, Mr C.K. Vaidya, said: "Agricultural growth is an imperative for the growth of the country. Such rural marts (Aadhar retail outlets and gurukuls) have been set up with an objective to help rural consumers by improving their productivity, helping them get higher returns, and offering crop advisory services, soil and water testing services. These marts will also help the rural consumers in the buyback of output, crop finance, supply of agri-inputs and animal feeds, transfer of information (weather, price, and demand supply) and door delivery of products, among other things."

32 service-cum-retail stores

With India spread across 6,27,000 villages, having an average population of 1,100 rural villagers, the Godrej Aadhar brand has introduced 32 service-cum-retail stores to provide a host of services to farmers. It is looking to develop these outlets into one-stop solutions for the rural populace.

Godrej Agrovet is aiming to generate revenues in the range of Rs 5,000-7,000 crore from around 1,000 Aadhar outlets over the next five years. Mr Vaidya said, "We have seen many experts and professionals give their vision for urban India in this summit. Our opportunity is clearly in rural India."

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