AP, Walmart form a task force
David Cheesewright, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Walmart International, called on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today at Secretariat.
During the meeting, Cheesewright informed the Chief Minister that the retail giant wants to collaborate with the state government in sourcing agriculture commodities from local farmers, increasing productivity and capacity building in the agriculture sector.
In this view, a task force including Walmart India executives and Special Chief Secretary to Government (Agriculture) Vijay Kumar has been constituted. 'We can review the decisions and action plan once in three months and evaluate our progress,' the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister was informed that the company is currently sourcing cashew nuts, red chilies, coconuts and sweet lime from the state.
Stating that Andhra Pradesh has the highest production of rice and spices, the Chief Minister suggested that Walmart could work with the agriculture and horticulture department officials on identifying additional agriculture commodities, vegetables and fruits which can be sourced from the state. 'An action-plan can be prepared with targets,' he added.
Cheesewright said that Walmart Foundation is interested in working with the government on CSR activities such as training women from Self-help Groups (SHGs) in various skills.
'You can work with us on adopting villages on 'smart village-smart ward' programmes,' the CM said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister assured the Walmart CEO that the state would extend support for cold-chain linkages and in bridging supply gaps. He sought Walmart's technology and marketing expertise in improving productivity.
'You can make Andhra Pradesh a global sourcing hub for certain agri commodities,' the Chief Minister said, adding that they could also source fruits from Ananthapur, which has the potential to become a horticulture hub.
Stating that Walmart has to ensure better value for the crop which will benefit farmers, the Chief Minister said that the company could make use of AP's ports to export the products.
Agriculture minister Prathipati Pulla Rao, Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Vijay Kumar, Principal Secretary Satish Chandra, Civil Supplies Commissioner B. Rajasekhar and Walmart India executives were present at the meeting.
News Posted: 22 April, 2015
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