Mumbai:
Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said he was not opposed to the National Food Security Bill and that he would prefer it to be approved by Parliament after a debate.
"I am in favour of approving the food bill through discussion in Parliament, which is the highest forum," he told reporters.
Mr Pawar, who had earlier voiced apprehension that huge concessions on foodgrains could endanger food security and harm the interests of farmers, said everybody in the government wanted it to be "cleared, approved and implemented."
"The issue is how- whether to do it through ordinance or debate in Parliament. I am not opposed to the bill," he said.
"The Opposition is also not against the food bill. They want something more and discussions are on," he said.
He, however, said to maintain consistency in food security, thrust should be on improving production, greater investment in agriculture, and adequate availability of power and fertilizer.
Asked what would be his stand if Congress was insistent on promulgating an ordinance in this regard, Mr Pawar said, "Such decisions are taken collectively."