On the eve of the presentation of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Pranab Mukhrejee, Janata Dal (United) President Sharad Yadav said here on Sunday that his party wanted an agriculture-friendly budget and that emphasis be given to protect the fertile land of the country.
“The Budget should take measures to save the agricultural sector of the country for the sake of food security. Steps should be taken to save the fertile land of the country as this is our country’s wealth,” Mr. Yadav told journalists on the sidelines of party’s State conference. Mr. Yadav said that the setting up of SEZs (special economic zones), hi-tech cities and factories on agricultural land was a matter of grave concern as the food-security of the nation is compromised. He commended the Railways for not increasing passenger fares in the Railway budget, but expressed concern over implementation of projects announced in the last budget.