Mangalore: Janardhan Poojary Bats for FDI, says BJP is Anti-Farmer

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Sep 28: “BJP is anti-farmer and has no concern for the general public," said former minister Janardhan Poojary, addressing a press meet here on Friday September 28.

"The NDA has hinted that it would remove FDI in retail introduced by the UPA if it comes to power in the next elections. By doing this, the NDA is showing its anti-farmer and its lack of concern towards the general public," he said.

"The farmers are not getting what they really need. Around 40% of their total production perishes due to lack of storage and other facilities in the rural areas. If FDI in retail is allowed, it is likely to help the farmers in many ways. It will also boost India's economy," he added.

He further said, "The farmers are being exploited by middlemen. India is the second largest producer of vegetables and fruits and other crops. Hence it is a must that the givernment focuses on the farmers, as 70% of the people in India are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture."

As per the FDI guidelines, a foreign company that is willing to start up it business in India has to invest a minimum amount of 100 million dollars, out of which 50 million dollars has to be invested on infrastructural development like storage facilities, warehouses, roads etc. Rural develpoment is highly possible due to the implementation of the FDI act, Poojary said.

"Mamata Banerjee has condemned FDI, but in her election manifesto, she had mentioned implementation of cent percent FDI. The cabinet under the Vajpayee government had urged for FDI implementation in those days, but today they are opposing and showing their anti-farmer and apathy towards the general public. BJP leaders like Modi, Yeddyurappa and D V Sadananda Gowda are attending conferences abroad in relation to foreign investment, but they are opposing FDI, which is not acceptable."

FDI will increase purchasing capacity and consumer needs will be satisfied. Credibility will be totally lost by this BJP’s anti-farmer agenda, and country will be nowhere, he added.

Harikrishna Bantwal, Vijay Kumar Shetty and Kallige Taranath Shetty were also present.