The Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) here is aiming at turnover of Rs 220 crore during the current financial year from the level of Rs 200 crore in 2008-09. The corporation is also enhancing the procurement rates of forest produces such as gums, according to sources.
The corporation is planning to strengthen the daily requirement depots in the 14 districts of the State and to increase the procurement rates to make it more remunerative for Girijans. The rate of Grade one gum karaya is increased to Rs 170 a kg from Rs 140, that of grade two to Rs 125 from Rs 110 a kg, and grade three from Rs 85 to Rs 100 a kg. The corporation is planning to impart training to Girijans in scientific methods of tapping gum.
The rates of other products such as honey and tamarind have also been enhanced. The GCC is making efforts to encourage cultivation of forest plants and medicinal plants as a part of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme. The corporation has created the infrastructure to add value to these products and for their marketing.
New soap
The corporation is introducing a new honey bar soap under its brand Ritu. The soap is being manufactured at the GCC unit in Vizianagaram and will be available in packs of 75 gm. Till now, the GCC has been marketing Aloe vera, neem, and turmeric soaps. Arrangements have been made for procurement of quality honey for the purpose.
The GCC honey is also very popular and during the current year the corporation plans to sell 3,500 quintals of bottled honey. It has honey bottling units at Rajahmundry and Chittoor.
Source : Business Line