Favouring 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retial by the union government, noted agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan today stressed the need for investment in rural areas in the country. Talking to reporters, Dr.Swaminathan, who was in the city to participate in 40th anniversary of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) here, suggested that the respective states, which allowing FDI to run operations, should also protect the interests of farmers locally.
Agriculture in rural India is crying for investment and any investment that can stimulate agriculture is welcome, he said.
If the retail giants can procure their raw material from local farmers, it will ensure an assured income for their produce, Dr Swaminathan, the father of green revolution, added. UNI