2. ii
Business Name: Recommended Solutions Consultancy Services
Business Address: #375 Rochard Douglas Rd, Barrackpore
Email: rscstt@gmail.com
Telephone: 1 (868)-389-9079
Solutions are RSCS’s Only Recommendation
“Recommended Solutions Consultancy Services (RSCS) is a private
agribusiness consultancy service in Trinidad and Tobago. The objectives
of this business is geared towards business, marketing and economic
modeling in the agricultural sector. RSCS will provide clients with
information and technical know-how in order to make the best market
decisions possible in order stand out as their own market leader.
International standards along with local protocols will be manipulated and
tailored to individual client’s needs. It is the policy of RSCS to work with
each client patiently, diligently and committedly thus establishing a long
term business relationship ensuring maximization of their overall
agribusiness and agri-marketing potential”.
Shamla Maharaj.
4. 1
Background
Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturing Association’s (TTMA’s) online
directory has 5 businesses under the category “Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry”. After searching through their directory, of the total 209
businesses registered, 68 fell into the category of agribusiness. Can this
improper classification or not having a sub class
lead to misinformed policies and programs that
would shrink the gap between farmers and
institutional buyers? How can these
agribusinesses partner with local suppliers to
absorb supply with demand? Can this be a factor
that sees the non-shrinking of our food import
bill?
It was discovered that there was no synergy
between farmers, institutional buyers and even
consumers. Often farmers and institutional
buyers would be at a price wars, with farmers
wanting a higher price than the farm gate price
and institutions wanting a farm gate price or
even lower. Consumers would frequently
complain of price fluctuations, the effects of
which can be buffered with effective
communications. Predictably of market for crops are oftentimes skewed
resulting in either a glut or insufficient supply of commodities for a
particular period. Also consistency and uniformity of commodities hinder
institutions which adhere to standards, hence the topic of supervised
communication such as a farmer’s board, cohesion and cooperatives need
to be addressed.
5. 2
According to a survey done by NAMDEVCO (2014), the following major
categories stood out;
Figure 1depicts average monthly demand versus projected monthly supplies of fresh produce in kgs.
The chart above further reiterates the point of synergism and
communication between parties due to improper policies, programs and
protocols. With respect to price wars, a study done for my Thesis
Research titled “Volatility in the prices of Root Crops and Vegetables in
Trinidad” showed that prices were more volatile within a year as opposed
to over a 9-year period. In in my proposed PhD research I intend to look
at creating a model that would allow farmers to market their commodities
to institutional buyers, with the hope that focus is shifted off prices.
Direct information to go into any form of agribusiness are not available
easily, readily or in a timely manner. This would generally see a lot of
interested persons being deterred.
These few gaps mentioned in the marketing of agricultural commodities
was the motivating factor that led to the objectives of the services
rendered:
To collect and disseminate information on behalf of clients.
To execute research, analysis and projects on behalf of clients.
To administer business, market/ing, economics information to
clients.
To offer advising on agribusiness adventures.
3845774
130278515
Institutional Monthly Demand (kgs) and Projected
Monthly Supplies (kgs).
Avg. Monthly
Demand(kgs)
Proj. Monthly Yields (kgs)
6. 3
Purpose
To enhance client’s decision making and market power in the agri/
agribusiness sector in T&T while, enhancing one’s own knowledge through
networking.
Vision
To use strategic business, marketing, economics and financial tools to
envision change and cohesion in the agri /agribusiness sector.
Mission
To shift mindset through advance decisions one client, one business, one
sector at a time.
Core Values
Without you there is no us and without interaction there is no knowledge.
RSCS will treat each client with highest regard. An immense calibre of
professionalism would be reflected by the quality of work given with best
practices implemented. It is assured that integrity, honesty, equality and
equity along with transparency are practiced at all times.
Goals
To positively influence decision makers in the agricultural sector through
analysis and application of knowledge gained and observations made.
To network internationally while manipulating existing models or
creating new models that may one day be used in the local sector.
7. 4
RSCS Work Scope
RSCS intends to demonstrate optimal professionalism and knowledge in
every facet of work done. The aim is to demonstrate effective and
efficient solutions to clients through the work given by drawing an in-
depth road map to success.
The services offered by RSCS include:
8. 5
Business Marketing
Issue projects, documents and advice on how to start an
agribusiness.
Recommend plans to existing agribusinesses with the aim of
maximizing their business, marketing and financial potential.
Formulate business plans.
Accumulate information required for clients.
Investor profiling
Acquire information for projects in agribusiness.
Conduct research and compile data and information advising
on;
o Agricultural Marketing
o Agribusiness Marketing
o Crop profiling
o Potential in local and export market.
Execute research on behalf of clients.
Acquire information on Marketing of Agricultural Products
based on individual client’s needs.
Advise and step by step guide on Exporting of Agricultural
Commodities”.
Develop marketing plans for fresh produce in the local and
export market
Determine market requirements for crops on both the local and
export market through research and development along with
data analysis.
Determine competitors in the sector.
Engage in creating synergies between farmers and institutional
buyers with and marketing strategies.
Execute research on latest marketing and agricultural trends
and prospectus in agriculture and agribusiness.
9. 6
Economics and Analysis Crop Trending and Market Trending
Demand and supply of both foreign and locally traded
commodities.
Forecast and analyze cropping and pricing trends and so on.
Market trends and reports on agricultural commodities.
Cropping trends and reporting.
Market data and analysis through researched intelligence.
Data compilation and analysis along with background
knowledge and reasoning with respect to individual
commodities and their business and marketing potential.
10. 7
Business Structure and Financial Information
RSCS is registered as a sole trader business in which the owner/managing
director is legally responsible for all aspects of the business and all
decisions are predominantly made by the owner.
As for the financing of the business, it is currently fully financed with the
owner’s personal income.
Social Contribution
The business would be highly involved in “giving back” even if it ends up
as its sole purpose. The following are some ways intended make its
contributions;
Features on social media
highlighting farmers, agricultural
innovators, agribusinesses,
researches and individual in
agribusiness locally.
Work towards a cohesive
sector by engaging all parties
involved.
Disability awareness.
Community volunteerism and
public motivational speeches.
Poverty eradication.
11. 8
Profile of Managing Director
Shamla Maharaj is the Managing Director of RSCS which she founded in
April, 2016. Shamla’s prior experience as a Research Assistant I at the
National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation
(NAMDEVCO) has enlightened her on the the problems within the
agriculture and agribusiness sector in T&T. In her duties she dealt with
prospective farmers, established farmers, stakeholders such as CARDI,
CBTT, various ministries, consultants, and agribusinesses small medium
and large. In performing her functions, she often conducted
comprehensive researches, outline project structure and advised bodies
on various topics such as embarking on an agribusiness and problems in
the sector along with possible solutions to these problems.
Shamla not only has some experience in the field, but her academic
background often tickles her mind further that more can be done to help
the agribusiness sector. Shamla earned a MSc. in Marketing and
Agribusiness (Business and Marketing Analysis Specialization) in 2015, in
which her thesis focused on “Volatility in the Wholesale Prices of Root
Crops and Vegetables in Trinidad”. She also holds a BSc. in Agribusiness
Management from the University of the West Indies 2010, both of which
were obtained from the University of the West Indies. She also has a
Certificate in Fundamentals of Marketing at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate
School of Business 2011. She is currently a PhD candidate for the
program Agricultural Economics (Marketing and Agribusiness
Specialization).
Shamla cannot say she only has experience only in the agri/agribusiness
sector as she sat on the Advisory Council Board for the Ministry of
Gender, Youth and Child Development. She also served as Social
Ambassador and Social Motivator for the Ministry of Social Development
in which she spoke to various groups in society.
12. 9
Miss Maharaj represented Trinidad and Tobago in UNESCO’s 8th World
Youth Forum in Paris, France. Funded by UNESCO she was one of the six
(6) delegates, including UNESCO’s Director General Irina Bokova, to be an
opening speaker in 2013. She made a contribution to the debate which
made it into the introduction of the final recommendation of the theme
“Social Inclusion, Civic Engagement, Dialogue and Skills Development” to
be presented at their General Conference. She also represented youths
as a Social Ambassador at UNESCO’s MOST conference for Latin America
and Caribbean countries in Hilton Trinidad, 2012. Her paper presented
was published by UNESCO. Shamla was also chosen as a National Patriot
for Trinidad and Tobago by Ministry of Diversity and Social Integration in
2013. Shamla attained Trinidad Express’s Youth Individual of the Year
2010.
It is instructive to note that Shamla has Cerebral Palsy from birth, but has
never allowed this challenge to deter her. She is insistent about proving
to T&T that a person with a disability can live a full life once the
opportunity is created, as she has done with the unswerving support of
her family. Being a motivator and advocate, Shamla has left positive
impressions on institutions and minds with whom she interacted and her
plan is to continue doing so. She is also sensitive to the topic of poverty.
Although her field is primarily the promotion food sustainability, she
would like to see all of her interests fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, for
now however she will continue to address each cause individually.
