Foreign Direct Investment For Farmers And Fishermen

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Friday categorically stated that 'Foreign Direct Investment' (FDI) benefits farmers and those of other professions like fishermen, as firms would invest upto Rs. 500 crores in retail trade in cities with more than 10 lakh population, such as Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

The Chief Minister said that the FDI would help farmers, fishermen, shepherds, etc., get remunerative prices for their produce. Addressing inland fishermen and SHGs at Atmakur, Mahaboobnagar district during the Indiramma Bata programme, the Chief Minister also announced that the Government was making all efforts for increasing the production of fish and fish products from the present Rs. 11,000 crores to Rs. 20,000 crores in a year from now.

The Chief Minister said that NALA cess has been abolished for fisheries and agri-based sectors. The government has already asked the committee headed by a retired judge to consider the conversion of the fishermen's caste group into 'A'. He announced that the government was providing Indiramma housing, community halls, 10,000 ice boxes, and financial assistance to 'matsya mitra' groups. (INN)