GCC steps into export zone

Despatches one tonne amla powder to Malaysian firm

Girijan Co-operative Corporation (GCC) has kicked off export of its forest products by despatching a consignment of one tonne of amla powder to Malaysia-based Om Pro Biotic.

Speaking to Business Standard, GCC general manager (marketing) K Rajeswara Rao said that initially the Malaysian firm would import one tonne of amla powder every month and would later increase the quantity.

In the current year, GCC was expecting about Rs 1-crore turnover from exports, he added. The Malaysian firm will use the powder in manufacture of amla capsules.

Dr Bronner Magic Soaps, an American firm, which is keen to import organic products, has come forward to import shekakai powder.

"In the local market, GCC sells shekakai powder at Rs 12-15 a kg, but the American firm has offered $1 for the same quantity. Keeping this attractive price in mind, we prefer to export," he said.

Dr Bronner Magic Soaps has engaged a Bangalore-based quality certification agency for quality check.

According to Rao, GCC is training tribals in collection of shekakai from forest areas. "GCC, which collects about 5,000 quintals of amla and 3,000 quintals of shekakai every year, has decided not to sell them in bulk quantities in the domestic market in view of the growing export market for the products," he said.

Strengthening GCC's space in the export market, a Dubai firm is keen to sell aloe vera soaps on its own brand name. Rao, however, said that the corporation was insisting on marketing aloe vera soaps on GCC brand name. GCC currently sells about 5 lakh soaps every month in the local market.

"Another Malaysian firm has evinced interest in our honey. But since it has quoted a very lower price, we are negotiating for a better deal," he said. Every year, GCC procures about 4,500 quintals of honey from forests.

The corporation is exploring foreign markets for its other forest products as well.