Amurao, Aizalea E.

BSBA - MARKETING

TATA Chemicals - Reaching Out to the Masses

Questions for Discussion:

1. TCL, in its salt segment, removed one layer from its distribution network as
part of its revamping to meet competition and improve efficiency levels. What
were the problems with the old system and how did the new set-up improve
efficiency levels?

TATA Chemicals Ltd (TCL), in existence since 1939, had firmly established itself
in the areas of inorganic chemicals, fertilizers, and food additives in India, challenges
such as poor ante-natal care-seeking, insufficient doses, or behavioral challenges to
regular use have limited the effectiveness of supplementation programs. India has
successfully reduced the burden of iodine-deficiency disorders by legislating fortification
of salt with iodine and has built an extensive infrastructure for the production and
distribution of iodized salt. With minimal additions to this infrastructure, salt fortification
has the potential to act as a vehicle for the inclusion of other micronutrients (such as
iron) and make a similar impact on deficiencies in these micronutrients, however, only if
adequately scaled-up.

2. TKS was perceived as a one-stop shop for farmers' agricultural needs. How did
this initiative help farmers improve their operations and increase their income
levels?

Investing in agriculture is one of the most effective ways of reducing hunger and
poverty, promoting agricultural productivity, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
The only answer to this ticklish problem is the consolidation of holdings which means
the reallocation of holdings which are fragmented, the creation of farms which comprise
only one or a few parcels in place of multitude of patches formerly in the possession of
each peasant. Another is large tracts of fertile land suffer from soil erosion by wind and
water. This area must be properly treated and restored to its original fertility.