PSFC: farmers' commission or food security mission

Abstract

T he Indian Retail Industry seems to have found its first cross road, after almost 10 years of freeway. During its course it has sprung several surprises, several avoidable mistakes and some unavoidable circumstances. The 1998 a study had portrayed that food and dry grocery were the largest portion of retail industry. This led to many retailers to venture into it. But soon it was found that the potential is there, but the mechanism used, the organized format, for harnessing this potential was very restrictive due to the supply chain and the MRP restrictions. Consequently, organized retailing found that lifestyle and apparels, with no restriction of MRP and comparatively easier and economical sourcing, were the segments that suited them most.