The Finance Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday called for more investments in the agriculture sector to boost the country’s food security. Replying to discussion in Rajya Sabha on the General Budgetary proposals for 2012-13, Mr. Mukherjee said for the first time, India has produced more than one hundred million tones of rice. He said this could not be possible without investment in agricultural extension services and research and development and hailed the scientists and farmers. In this context, he assured that the government will take note of observations of Dr. M S Swaminathan for future strategy.

Referring to the second green revolution in Eastern India, the Finance Minister said that the government will consider a suggestion to set up a committee of Chief Ministers to promote agriculture in the Eastern States including Chhattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam. Talking about food security, Mr. Mukherjee said the country has produced about 250 million tones of foodgrains in 2011-12. He said the government has made adequate allocations for ensuring storage facilities.

On the budgetary proposals, the Finance Minister said that he has taken note of uncertainty prevailing in the country and outside while working out a domestic demand-driven strategy. He said investment in infrastructure, irrigation, rural infrastructure and education is leading towards strengthening the generation of the domestic demand fueling to attain the desired GDP growth.

The Finance minister said he will consider the demand for rollback of excise duty on non-branded jewellery. Later, the House returned the Appropriation Bills, which were passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.