By IANS
Hyderabad : The government of Singapore has agreed to import eggs, fish, fruits, vegetables and other food requirements from Andhra Pradesh.
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who is currently visiting Singapore, Saturday had detailed a discussion in this regard with Chuasin Bin, CEO of agri food veterinary authority, government of Singapore.
According to a release from the chief minister's office here, he suggested to Singapore authorities that they could enter into a direct buy-back arrangement with Andhra Pradesh farmers for not only supply but also production, which suits the authority by supplying quality inputs.
He informed Singapore officials that Andhra Pradesh ranks first in the production of mangoes, palm oil, chillies and turmeric in the country.
The state also ranks first in production of eggs, brackish water shrimp and fresh water prawn in the country. It is the second biggest producer of fresh water fish and has the longest coastline in the country.
Bob Sharples, CEO of Landspring Corp, Australia, Dr. Tang, CEO of Jurong International, and R. Munnukutla, India head of the Jurong International, and others called on Reddy Saturday and discussed the proposal of production.
Reddy advised them to immediately take up the project in right earnest and prepare a proper action plan with definite milestones. He promised to extend all support. He told them that they could start purchase of land from the farmers directly without involvement of middlemen.
Setting aside the protocol, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong hosted breakfast for Reddy while President N.R. Nathan hosted lunch.
Nathan proposed to create a separate cell for the welfare of the thousands of Telugu people in Singapore.