The Kerala State Co-operatives Consumers’ Federation Ltd (Consumerfed), which runs more than 3,000 retail grocery, LPG and medical stores across the State, plans to open shops in other States.

Keeping in mind the Malayali ‘diaspora’ in various cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore, and the market for produces such as spices, brown rice and coconut oil, Consumerfed has decided to extend its chain.

Consumerfed officials, who were here to hold discussions with the Consumer Affairs Ministry, said Cooperative Public Distribution System, the model they follow, could be used in other States, too, to improve the distribution mechanism. “If you have a strong distribution mechanism, the menace of price rise can be effectively tamed. We will be able to provide brown rice for people in New Delhi at half the present rate. We are in touch with various agencies and associations to open shops outside Kerala,” Consumerfed President, Mr Joy Thomas, said.

Consumerfed, a Government-backed agency, is expanding in Kerala, too. “One of the reasons for Kerala’s opposition to FDI is the strong retail chain in the State. We plan to open 10,000 stores in the next five years across the State. Our efforts have impacted the market and the State has effectively checked price rise, despite problems in production and storage,” Consumerfed Secretary, Dr Riji G. Nair, said.

Consumerfed has sought Central assistance to buy more refrigerated vehicles and launch 50 mobile supermarkets. “We have sought Rs 15 crore from the Consumer Welfare Fund,” the officials said. The Consumerfed also plans to launch a food processing institute to train women from self-help groups.

jigeesh.am@thehindu.co.in

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