FTA with ASEAN to affect Kerala farmers: PC Thomas

Kochi, Aug 30 (UNI) Fearing that the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) would adversely affect farmer's interest in Kerala, Parliamentarian P C Thomas of Kerala Congress (Joseph) today urged the Centre to look into the matter.

Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Thomas said the import duty of various agricultural prodcuts would be reduced as part of the agreement and this would affect the interest of the local market.

He said the state farmers were already reeling under the reduced price for their various agricultural products due to unlimited imports from the SAARC countries.

The business for agricultural products like pepper, tea and cardamom would be affected if the FTA was implemented, he added.

On the allegations of misbehaviour levelled against state PWD Minister and party chief P J Joseph, Mr Thomas said the minister was innocent and the ongoing investigation would bring out the truth.

UNI MA ROY PR RK1450