Date:23/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/23/stories/2007032316100400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Little tangy, something extra to savour

Special Correspondent

TASTY TIMES: TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu at an SHG stall in the Assembly in Hyderabad on Thursday. - PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

HYDERABAD: There were caught off guard by his presence. Members of Sri Lakshmi Pickles and Powders run by self-help group members from Krishna district had a pleasant surprise on Thursday when TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu strolled into their stall inside the Assembly and purchased home-made sweets and savouries, besides mouth-watering pickles.

Mr. Naidu made his way to the stall after voting in the Council elections and spent over 20 minutes enquiring from them about their success.

Picking up pickles

Kota Devaki Devi, State marketing coordinator of Sri Lakshmi Pickles and Powder, offered him `sunniundalu.' Mr. Naidu made purchases of Rs.1,100 of various products that included seven boxes of sweets and coriander and curry leaf pickle with medicinal value.

Giving an ironical twist to their success story, SHG members told Mr. Naidu that their products had obtained Agmark licence but they were forced to pay tax as the items were branded. Ms. Devi said the groups belonged to Peddapativarigudem in Musunuru mandal and Gopalpuram village in Kalidindi mandal in Krishna district.

Their products were marketed through 14 outlets in Hyderabad.

"We have ready orders to supply pickles, powders, sweets and savouries worth Rs. 5 lakhs to Malaysia, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai," Ms. Devi added.