Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made an appeal in the context of supporting Indian economy at the grassroots level as a step towards self-reliance. Through “Vocal for Local”, he has appealed for buying local products and supporting local businesses. This is because during the lockdown and COVID-19 it is the local vendors, products and services that have helped us survive.
In the first three phases of lockdown, we have experienced the following issues:
· There was a massive disruption in industry at many levels. The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) players struggled to manage production and transportation, retailers and wholesalers were unable to operate freely and fully and e-commerce players couldn’t handle delivery of essential items.
· Panic buying led to faster depleting stocks, and the stores ran out of branded stock without replenishments, as the supply chains of FMCG companies were disrupted. This led to a shortage of essential items and crowding at modern retail outlets that contribute only 8% in the overall food and groceries category.
· With restrictions imposed on neighbourhood stores, they were unable to replenish stock and sell essential items to customers.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Kirana stores have stood tall and they ensured that every household gets their daily essentials. They were and are the lifeline of consumers in India.
As supply chains were disrupted and migrant workers were unavailable, impacting regular delivery by wholesalers and stockists, the kirana store owners themselves went to depots, markets and suppliers’ places to procure the essentials.
The close to 12 million neighbourhood kirana stores that dominate the domestic grocery retailing landscape of India with a 90% market share have emerged stronger during the ongoing lockdown, with people depending on them to procure daily essentials.
Vocal for Local is a great initiative from the Prime Minister to strengthen the base of our economy. It is the small entrepreneurs who contribute to our daily needs. Looking at the way the Kirana shops have helped us with grocery and other requirements, they should be encouraged and empowered with skills to improve their business and sustain during the tough times. The biggest arsenal for kiranas is their business model; it is much simpler to set up a kirana shop with lesser stock keeping units (SKU) vis-Ã -vis a retail store with huge capital cost and inventory.
The Key to the economic revival of our country lies in the rural economy. Rural economy has the potential to create jobs and employment suitable for the region, while contributing towards achieving the sustainable development goals set forth by the UN. As Rural employment, entrepreneurship and livelihoods are diversified, Skilling rural youth and local populace take centre stage to ensure self-reliance and compete at the global level.”
Let’s raise a voice to buy, promote and preserve local skills and products in India and work towards “vocal for local” as an opportunity to boost local skills and products in India. Isn’t this the best time to proudly promote “Make in India”?
In the first three phases of lockdown, we have experienced the following issues:
· There was a massive disruption in industry at many levels. The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) players struggled to manage production and transportation, retailers and wholesalers were unable to operate freely and fully and e-commerce players couldn’t handle delivery of essential items.
· Panic buying led to faster depleting stocks, and the stores ran out of branded stock without replenishments, as the supply chains of FMCG companies were disrupted. This led to a shortage of essential items and crowding at modern retail outlets that contribute only 8% in the overall food and groceries category.
· With restrictions imposed on neighbourhood stores, they were unable to replenish stock and sell essential items to customers.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Kirana stores have stood tall and they ensured that every household gets their daily essentials. They were and are the lifeline of consumers in India.
As supply chains were disrupted and migrant workers were unavailable, impacting regular delivery by wholesalers and stockists, the kirana store owners themselves went to depots, markets and suppliers’ places to procure the essentials.
The close to 12 million neighbourhood kirana stores that dominate the domestic grocery retailing landscape of India with a 90% market share have emerged stronger during the ongoing lockdown, with people depending on them to procure daily essentials.
Vocal for Local is a great initiative from the Prime Minister to strengthen the base of our economy. It is the small entrepreneurs who contribute to our daily needs. Looking at the way the Kirana shops have helped us with grocery and other requirements, they should be encouraged and empowered with skills to improve their business and sustain during the tough times. The biggest arsenal for kiranas is their business model; it is much simpler to set up a kirana shop with lesser stock keeping units (SKU) vis-Ã -vis a retail store with huge capital cost and inventory.
The Key to the economic revival of our country lies in the rural economy. Rural economy has the potential to create jobs and employment suitable for the region, while contributing towards achieving the sustainable development goals set forth by the UN. As Rural employment, entrepreneurship and livelihoods are diversified, Skilling rural youth and local populace take centre stage to ensure self-reliance and compete at the global level.”
Let’s raise a voice to buy, promote and preserve local skills and products in India and work towards “vocal for local” as an opportunity to boost local skills and products in India. Isn’t this the best time to proudly promote “Make in India”?
By - Ishita Bisht
Edited by: Preeti Deepa Dash (Content Head, Satark)
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