BPCL ties up with Godrej for agri-retail foray

MUMBAI: State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has joined hands with Godrej Aadhaar to foray into the agri-retail segment as it seeks to diversify its retail business, a top company official has said.

BPCL and Godrej group's Godrej Aadhaar, an agri-service cum-retail initiative of Godrej Agrovet Ltd, sealed the agreement last week.

"Both the companies plan to extend their association by launching 'Aadhaar Express' in BPCL petro-outlets situated in semi-urban and rural areas," BPCL's Executive Director Retail S Ramesh told media here.

The first Aadhaar Express which has just been launched is located at BPCL outlet at Kashti in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, he said.

BPCL will provide 500 sq ft of space to Godrej and the stores' primary focus would be on providing agri-advisory services and customised products for rural consumers.

"This is a first-of-its-kind store in this format in rural India," Ramesh said.

Aadhaar Express would retail products such as agricultural implements, pesticides and herbicides along with FMCG products, groceries and apparels.

Ramesh said that agronomists would be present at the stores to provide free consultancy services to farmers on crop-related issues. "We will also assist them in improving farm-productivity," he added.

The Aadhaar Express format will be expanded across India through BPCL's outlets.

"This initiative is aimed at exploring the huge potential of the rural market through adopting an innovative approach which will benefit the customers," Ramesh said.