The government today said that opening up of Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, in multi-brand retail trade is expected to bring in much needed investments, technologies and efficiencies to unlock the true potential of the agriculture value chain. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Dr S Jagathrakshakan said the policy mandates minimum investment of 100 million dollars with at least half going towards back end infrastructure, including cold chains, refrigerated transportation and logistics. He said, the condition that this investment will have to be made within 3 years of the first tranche of FDI, has been put in, to ensure that the purpose is actually achieved.The Minister made it clear that in formulating the policy for allowing 51 per cent FDI in multi brand, the government was conscious of the livelihood concerns of the millions of small retailers. Dr Jagathrakshakan said that even in developing economies like China, Brazil, Argentina, Singapore and Thailand, where FDI is permitted up to 100 percent, a study suggests that local retailers have found innovative ways to co- exist along with organised retail and are integral to the organised retail chain.