Shriram plans 35 rural marts in 12 months

DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd's initiative in setting up rural/semi-urban utility marts by the brand name "Hariyali Kisaan Bazaar Chain" is set to get a boost as it plans to open 35 outlets over the next 12 months.

Currently, there are 24 outlets spread over Uttaranchal, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Another four will be opened this month. The Hariyali Kisaan Bazaar model seeks to empower the Indian farmer by setting up retail centres and providing all retail solutions, from utilities to banking.

Rajesh Gupta, business head, Hariyali Kisaan Bazar, said in Malaut (Punjab) and Shahabad Markanda (Haryana) the outlets were going to be operational in a month.

"Except for the dry area of Mahendragarh in Haryana, we are looking at opportunities in every district of the region. In Punjab we have plans to cover Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Fasilka, and Abohar, which integrate with the towns of Rajasthan like Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar."

With an investment of Rs 2 crore the outlets are set up over 2-3 acres, providing infrastructure to farmers.

"We will also have petrol pumps of Bharat Petroleum, extensions of ICICI Bank branches, LPG outlets, and a Yamaha Motorcycle showroom at these outlets," he said.

Tie-up with Motorola

Motorola today announced an alliance with Hariyali Kisaan Baazar for sale and distribution of handsets aimed at the country's mass market consumers in rural and semi-urban areas.

The alliance will offer consumers direct, over-the-counter access to a wide range of handsets across categories and price brands.

Motorola Corporate Vice-President Allen Burnes said the company was addressing a vital segment of the Indian market.

"Our exclusive brand shops 'Modo Shops' and the Motorola bus will be to bridge the gap and provide experience from village to a university campus."