Kerala Minister for Food & Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Anoop Jacob | Photo Credit: H.VIBHU

Anoop Jacob, Kerala Food and Civil Supplies Minister has stressed the need for a robust market strategy to revive the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco), citing liabilities accumulated over the past decade.

The corporation has been directed to prepare a revival plan focused on diversification and effective utilisation of its extensive retail network to ensure sustainable revenue generation, the Minister told reporters. He pointed out that Supplyco’s total liabilities have crossed ₹3,000 crore, making an urgent turnaround strategy essential.

Jacob blamed the mounting financial burden on the previous LDF government’s decision to keep the prices of 13 subsidised essential commodities unchanged during its 10-year tenure from 2016. The resulting losses, he said, began significantly affecting Supplyco’s market intervention capacity from 2022-23 onwards.

As part of the revival efforts, Supplyco plans to develop flagship “signature marts” in major districts and launch round-the-clock convenience stores catering to evolving consumer needs.

The government is also planning large-scale trade fairs in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode ahead of the Onam season, featuring not only subsidised products but also fast-moving consumer goods. Similar fairs will be organised at district and Assembly constituency levels. Strengthening market intervention during the festive season remains the government’s immediate priority, the Minister said.

To improve efficiency, quarterly quality audits will be conducted for products supplied through Supplyco. The government will also review political appointments and overall staffing levels. Excess employees from outlets with low sales will be redeployed, as salaries of temporary staff have become a significant financial burden on the corporation, he added.

Published on June 12, 2026