Retail sector may keep small shopkeepers involved: Subodh Kant

Mumbai, Sep 4 (UNI) Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahai today urged the retail industry to keep the small shopkeepers involved in the supply chain management process so that more jobs can be created in the sector.

Speaking at the Indian Retail Forum (IRF) here, Mr Sahai said ''Evolve some mechanism by which you can involve small shopkeepers in your supply chain because we have to create jobs.'' He said the mechanism should be such that the small shopkeepers become part of the retail industry and it should also provide economic opportunities to the farmers.

The size of the retail industry in India is estimated to be Rs 12 lakh crore and is expected to triple in the near future. Food and grocery continues to be the largest contributor to the organised retail, followed by apparels, textiles, accessories and footwear, he added.

Speaking on the same lines, ICICI executive director V Vaidyanathan said ''Retail sector in India has potential to create three-and-half million job opportunities in the near future.'' ''Over the next decade, the projected growth for the retail industry is Rs 12 lakh crore and this is expected to triple in the future,'' he added.

UNI