LUDHIANA, Nov 20:
Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today asserted FDI in retail was in the interest of the farmers and the consumers across the country.
The fears that the FDI in multi brand retail would badly affect interests of the small shopkeepers and traders were unfounded, Pawar told reporters after inaugurating the seventh national conference on “Krishi Vigyan Kendras–2012” in the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) premises here.
On the trend of paddy-wheat cycle in Punjab, he said it was not only was affecting fertility of the agricultural land, but was also causing depletion of underground water in the state.
Pawar said discussion had been held with Punjab government on the need to change this cycle and he would also discuss the issue with Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
He said the Punjab government should look at bringing more area under the cultivation of oil seeds and pulses.(PTI)
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