Retail seen hitting 500 bn by 2010

The 10 key issues highlighted in the report include underdeveloped supply chains with reference to underdeveloped logistics infrastructure, absence of national cold chain networks. Other critical issues include inadequate utilities, and taxation and human resource hurdles.

Pointing towards policy issues, the report says the government should grant industry status to retail. 8220;The industry faces hurdle in financing leading to high interest rate for retail, pushing up the capital cost and thus it is imperative that government grants industry status to retail,8221; the report states.

The reports suggests a reduced license requirement for starting retail operations and amendment of Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act APMC that would pave the way for contract farming.