Our Kolkata Bureau

KOLKATA 3 AUGUST

ITC IS getting ready to spread its wings. Having created a large private network and after web-enabling all its business processes, including cigarette and tobacco, the company is looking at the business of marketing and distribution.

Will the company market others’ products? "Yes, but we do not intend to import and sell in the domestic market," Y.C. Deveshwar, ITC chairman, said on Friday while addressing a press conference in the company’s boardroom at Virginia House.

The ITC chairman was categorical about preferences. "We will certainly look at a product which is developed within the country, which creates a value and provides employment," Mr. Deveshwar said.

The company is also looking seriously at developing food businesses. "We already have one feet in the agricultural area. Therefore, we could logically develop our skills here," the chairman said.

In this context, he pointed to the new business area of branded garments, which the company has already entered through the Wills Sport exercise.

The company intends to establish at least 100 branded outlets within a year’s time. "Our plan is quite clear. We have just started out. Subsequently, we will begin to engage in a larger value chain and eventually extend our resources to the cotton growing areas as well," Mr. Deveshwar said.

Explaining this concept, the ITC chairman said the company’s foray into e-chaupal, a web-related exercise which seeks to add value to the skills of the Indian farmers.

It informs about market, helps farmers in price discovery, offers advice on best practices in farming, informs about weather and likely impact, etc.

"Ultimately, we are looking to the farmers as our partners, who will join hands with us to create a value which is useful to the society and the economy in general," Mr. Deveshwar said.