Hyderabad: The Chief Minister Mr. N.Kiran Kumar Reddy categorically stated that 'Foreign Direct Investment' (FDI) benefits farmers, other professions like fishermen etc. as these firms will invest upto Rs.500 crores in retail trade in cities of more than 10 lakhs such as Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. FDI will help the farmers, fishermen, shepherds etc., get remunerative prices for their produces.

 The Chief Minister addressed inland fishermen & SHGs at Atmakur, Mahaboobnagar District today. Chief Minister also announced that the Government is making all efforts for increasing production of fish & fish products from the present Rs.11,000 to 20,000 crores in a year.

Chief Minister said nala cess has been abolished for fisheries and agri based sectors. The Government has already asked the committee headed by a retired judge for consideration of conversion of fishermen caste group into 'A'. Chief Minister said government is providing Indiramma housing, community halls, 10,000 ice boxes and financial assistance to 'matsya mitra' groups.