Lakhowal clarifies his stand on FDI retail business

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, NOV 22

          Taking a serious note over a statement published in a section of press, the Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board and President Bharti Kisan Union, Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal today said that his statement on the FDI retail business had been misquoted and distorted by a section of press. 

          In a statement issued here today, Mr. Lakhowal clarified that he was of the view that FDI could be beneficial for the farmers but the UPA government at the centre before implementing it must seek consensus of all political parties over this sensitive issue of great importance. Mr. Lakhowal categorically said that he had never mentioned anywhere that Punjab Government should have consensus of all political parties as mentioned in a section of press.

          Appreciating the concern of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for the welfare of peasantry in the state, Mr. Lakhowal said that Mr. Badal was relentlessly working day and night for improving the financial conditions of the farmers and his efforts for supplementing their income through bringing much needed diversification in the state were really commendable. He further said that under Mr. Badal’s stewardship Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board was also marching ahead to establish vegetables and fruits marketing network of international standards. To motivate more and more farmers for the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, first ever International Conference on “Wholesale Markets: Global Opportunities and Innovations” had been organized recently by the Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board was the biggest example of it, added Mr. Lakhowal.