Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation (SPIC), one of India’s leading agri-nutrient and fertiliser companies also a part of AM International, recently inaugurated a model fertiliser retail shop (MFRS) in Chettukuzhy, Idukki district, Kerala. The shop is set up in association with Horti Research Centre, a dealer with a network of over 4,000 farmers. Idukki district has a potential retail market for plantation crops such as cardamom, tea, coffee, pepper, and vegetables.
Also known as Kisan Suvidha Kendra, the Indian government introduced the concept of MFRS in the 2016-17 budget. Besides selling quality fertilisers at a genuine price, MFRS will provide a range of consulting and agriculture-related services for enhanced farm productivity. These include advice on organic and chemical fertiliser usage, soil and seed testing services among others. The samples collected by the MFRS will be sent to SAS Tuticorin for testing.
Highlighting the initiative, Ashwin Muthiah, Chairman, Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation and AM International, said, “SPIC has been a pioneer in partnering with Indian farmers in their agriculture journey. The retail initiative is a way to get closer to our end customer – the farmer and to understand their needs better. MFRS will provide tailor-made scientific advisory solutions which will help local farmers increase their yield and maintain better soil health and nutrition. The availability of quality agri-nutrients at genuine prices will empower the Indian farmer ensuring better productivity, income, and prosperity.”
Jancy Reji Gramma – Panchayat President, Chettukuzhy, inaugurated the MFRS in the presence of company representatives and members of the district’s agriculture community.
SPIC digitally enabled the shop by making available mFMS (Mobile Fertilizer Management System) id and point-of-sale (PoS) machines. Idukki district was chosen for setting up the first MFRS as it has a potential retail market for plantation crops such as cardamom, tea, coffee, pepper, and vegetables. The dealer has a strong team and network of more than 4,000 farmers in the district.
SPIC plans to set up another MFRS in Kerala’s Wayanad district in the first quarter of 2021. Wayanad district has good potential for organic fertiliser sales since the main crops cultivated in the area are banana, tea, coffee, pepper, and ginger.
