FDI in retail is like East India co. colonising India: BJP

Karnataka government would not allow FDI in multi-brand retail in the State as it would hurt the interest of farmers and small traders, Agriculture Marketing Minister S K Bellubbi said today.

"We have decided we don't need FDI in retail", he told reporters when asked about the Government's stand on the issue.

"It (FDI in multi-brand retail) will lead to problems for farmers and small traders", he said, echoing the policy line of the national BJP.

Bellubbi likened the FDI to the entry of erstwhile East India company and the country turning into a British colony.

The Government has now realised the "adverse consequences' of allowing the German trade and retail giant Metro to open Cash and Carry wholesale centre here by amending the APMC act some years ago, the Minister said.

While FDI in retail may benefit small section of people, it's not in the interest of a vast majority, he argued.

FDI in retail in favour of farmers: Hooda

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said the FDI in retail was in favour of the farming community.

Farmers would get appropriate rates of their produce and consumers would get goods at reasonable rates, he said.

To promote pisiculture among farmers, a fish husbandry college would be opened in the state, the Chief Minister said after inaugurating a Fish Fair at Lahli here.

To ensure food safety and enhance income of farmers, pisiculture should be promoted, Hooda said.

Farmers could earn Rs five to Rs 10 lakh per hectare through pisiculture, he said.

Hooda said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had set up a working group under his chairmanship to enhance agricultural production and income of farmers.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat with appreciation letters.

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