The Girijan Co-operative Corporation (GCC) marketing products of the Girijans will be revamped to make it more market-savvy , according to State Tribal Welfare Minister R. Kishore Babu.

He was speaking to the reporters here on Friday morning after opening a new sales outlet of the GCC in the marketing hub at HPCL Millennium petrol bunk at the Siripuram Junction and later launching a summer health drink – Nannari Sherbet. He said that the performance of the corporation had suffered in recent times due to neglect and after bifurcation of the State it was being revamped. The number of depots and outlets was being increased and the staffing issues were also being addressed, he said.

The marketing of Girijan products would be handled by professionals to ensure better realisation for the products of the tribals and in turn contribute a higher amount for their welfare works.

After bifurcation, the Girijan Corporation has registered a turnover of Rs 155 crore in the last year. It has a portfolio of 30 products and two new products were added a couple of months ago. "Honey is the best selling product of the Girijan Corporation and it is contributing to 25 per cent of the total turnover," the Minister said.

On Friday the Minister launched Nannari Sherbet, which is a traditional herbal drink of the Chenchus of Nallamalla forest area to cope with summer season.

The Telugu Desam Government is committed to the welfare of tribals and would do nothing against their wishes or take up any activity that would go against their sentiments, he said. No decision has been taken up on bauxite mining in Viskahapatnam Agency area.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

comment COMMENT NOW