Straight after winning the approval of Parliament to the decision of allowing FDI in retail, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said in media that this is going to be quite advantageous for farmers and consumers.

Singh also believes that it will play a prominent part in introducing new technologies in the area of agri marketing.

Prime Minister disclosed that the decision to  allow FDI was supported by the farmers of Punjab.

It is worthwhile pointing out that UPA government won the approval of Parliament to its controversial decision of allowing FDI in multi-brand retail with a motion against it being defeated in a comprehensive manner in Rajya Sabha, thanks to the help of BSP that voted in favour of government.

Statistics wise, 123 members had voted against the motion while in the approval was 109 after a debate during which BJP attacked the proposal.

Manmohan Singh asked top farm varsities such as Punjab Agricultural University to gear up to meet the current and future challenges in the agri sector.

He believes that agriculture supply chains in country are fragmented and there is an urgent requirement for development of efficient supply chains.

Highlighting the fact that investments in backend infrastructure can assist in minimizing the loss of perishable crops, he wants Punjab to be the best in crop management practices.