Brand New Story

The brand called ‘Bhimtadi’ will introduce nine products under its pilot project which began on August 24. Being conducted in collaboration with the Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP),the brand will be marketed at retail stalls initially put up at five companies that come under SEAP. Explaining the process,Gaurav Mehra,president,SEAP,says,“Under this tie-up,SEAP member companies will allow Agricultural Development Trust,Baramati,to set up a stall to sell Bhimtadi products at their premises on pre-decided dates and will create awareness about the same among its employees.” The nine products include Kanda Lasun Masala,Mirchi Powder,Garam Masala,Chole Masala,Papad,Mango,Pickle,Awla Candy,Pulav Masala and Kurdai.

Qlogic India Private Limited,Persistent Systems Limited,Redknee,Kumar Cerebrum IT Complex,Inteliment Technologies and Saba Software India Pvt Ltd will put up stalls in their premises. With this project,thousands of women who were earlier only dependent on the jatra’s annual earning,can expect a good market for their products. “The products will be exposed to a readily available market and that goes in favour of the women who work hard to make them,” said Parag Mehta,MD,Qlogic India Pvt. Limited.

On the anvil are plans of expanding these stalls to over 100 companies that come under the SEAP which will readily give a market of over 2.5 lakh people. Sunanda Pawar,trustee of Agricultural Development Board,Baramati,says,“ Apart from providing a ready market,this will also help us understand the requirement of a consumer in a better way. We have put in a lot of effort to train these SHG’s in packaging.” The results are evident – the masalas and pickles are packaged in a very efficient manner. “We were helped by Krishi Vigyan Kendra for packaging products,” says Pawar. The Jatra has a network of 5,500 women and sells products worth Rs 2 crore on an average every year.