Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said that FDI in multi-brand retail will boost investment in cold-chain facilities and bring down post-harvest losses, benefiting farmers and consumers. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, Mr Pawar said that investment in cold chains is required and more investment to set up such facilities will come with the entry of FDI.

The Agriculture Minister said, there will be initial problems in the implementation of the policy. But once farmers and consumers experience benefits the states opposing the policy, will show interest. He added that at present 10 states and Union Territories have conveyed their consent to the Centre on the issue.