DCM Shriram eyes Rs 700 cr revenue from rural retail biz

Diversified group DCM Shriram Consolidated (DSCL) aims to achieve a revenue of Rs 700 crore from its rural retail business in this fiscal. The group also plans to increase the number of its retail outlets, Haryali Kisaan Bazaar to around 500 stores in the next two-three years. The retail business contributed around Rs 400 crore last fiscal and the company is currently working on consolidating its presence and improving efficiency. In the last two years, they have opened over 300 outlets across the country. We hope to add another 200 stores in the next two-three years and penetrate further in the South Indian markets. However, this year they will focus on increasing efficiency, improving their procurement mechanism, including logistics, and aggressively promote their agri-products. Haryali Kisaan Bazaar is present in eight states such as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It plans to tap the Southern markets and will enter states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.