Nearly 350 villagers, trained by the company, have also started working at the store. “I was unemployed and my family was starving but after the training, I got a job here and now I have been able to feed them,” said an employee of the MCC.

Company spokesperson Vishal Shegal said: “We will train the farmers on how to increase the agri-production and reduce wastage. We had earlier begun a training programme for sheep-farmers in Burdwan but were forced to stop it due to the impasse over our trade licence. We intend to start the training programmes again and discussions are on with the state government.”

Chairman of state Agricultural Marketing Board Naren Chatterjee, however, said he is not aware that the company has started its business before the formal opening of the store. “I do not have any information about its present operations. But once the store opens, we will monitor its every move so that it cannot enter into retail business,” he added.