Sharad Pawar welcomed FDI

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today welcomed foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, saying it will help in providing good prices to farmers and better choice and low prices to consumers.

The minister added that FDI will be beneficial for both farmers and consumers. He said In Sangli.

"Farmers will gain on at least two counts: significant reduction in post -harvest losses such as loss in transit due to non refrigeration and air conditioning transportation system, and better prices. Consumers will gain from lower prices, greater choice, and higher quality," the minister noted. "Post harvest losses in the country are high. There are losses in the entire supply chain from farm to market. Investment in cold chains is required. More investment to set up such facilities will come with the entry of FDI. This will benefit both farmers and consumers," he has said.

Pawar added that the government's decision of allowing 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail saying that it will boost investment in cold-chain facilities and bring down post-harvest losses.

Sharad Pawar on two days visit on Sangli - Kolhapur districts visit & attended various functions in Sangli.