Lalu announces 7,500 outlets for farmers to sell produce

Ahmedabad, Sep 18 (UNI) In a move that will benefit farmers, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today announced making available surplus railway land at 7,500 stations across the country to farmers for sale and distribution of their produce as part of a public-private initiative.

''It is ironical that shoes which we wear on our feet are being sold in AC showrooms, while the rice and vegetables that we eat are rotting outside. As agriculture is the backbone of the country we decided to help the farmers by opening up 7,500 outlets at railway stations for sale of their produce,'' he said while addressing reporters after delivering a lecture to IIM students here.

He said the farmers can avail of container services and send their produce to ports for export to other countries as well. ''Our onions and potatoes are very popular abroad,'' he quipped.

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