Letters: 'Free to choose'

Apropos Shreekant Sambrani’s article “Modern retail and fresh produce — cui bono?” (November 4), I want to suggest two more ways that foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail will benefit consumers and farmers. One, the Bharti Walmart-type stores give consumers additional choices regarding what to shop. Second, these stores open up international markets for farmers’ produce. In this context, read about women from Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu getting access to overseas markets for their rasagullas and cashews, respectively (“Bharti Walmart to step up sourcing from women”, July 24). This “free to choose” option is what India needs. Similar to the retail FDI, a case should also be made for genetically modified seeds for farmers. Let them make an educated choice — GM seeds or traditional hybrids. The role of the public policy and civil society organisations is to give the public options, and not decide on their behalf.

Chandrashekhar G Ranade Virginia

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