Legislators from both sides in the National Assembly on Tuesday emphasised on developing agriculture sector through supporting small growers to prevent the present wheat crisis-like situation. They were unanimous for promoting the agri sector to avoid the possible food crisis being faced by the region, and proposed elimination of interest on small loans. The recommendations came on the third day of budget debate in the Lower House where a large number of members from both sides spoke on the annual budget. Nasir Ali Shah of Pakistan Peoples Party termed the budget as balanced aimed at ensuring relief to the common man. He proposed elimination of taxes on small houses and demanded recovery of loans from the defaulters. He also demanded significant measures to mitigate the sufferings of the people of Balochistan. Zafar Baig Bhatani of FATA emphasised the need to establish corporate farming in the tribal areas to boost food production, which would ultimately control poverty and terrorism. Javed Hasnain Shah of PPP emphasised on developing agriculture sector by providing support to growers to increase yield and improve the socio-economic conditions. PML-Q leader Ghous Bakhsh Mehr described the budget as jugglery of figures. He suggested increase in defence budget under the present threats from Afghanistan and to overcome the growing menace of terrorism. He also suggested to promote railways to make it more viable. Salahuddin of MQM was of the view that the government should take measures to ensure equal rights to every citizen without any discrimination, demanding for withdrawal of additional one percent sales tax on the consumers. Jamila Gilani demanded more allocation of funds for overall development in tribal areas and supported negotiations in FATA to bring peace and suggested to involve the provincial government in the process to make it more viable. She lauded the peace deal in Swat area and hoped that it will help bring back normalcy in the area and promote tourism there. She regretted that the Prime Minister of the previous government had left the country in turmoil and the country is now facing the consequences of his so-called claims of economic prosperity. Hazar Khan Bijarani of PPP suggested removal of the sense of deprivation among the smaller provinces and stressed the need for taking steps to bring them in mainstream politics. He demanded thorough investigation in Lal Masjid and FATA incidents besides military operation in Balochistan and said that the responsible persons should be brought to justice. He demanded early completion of Right Bank Outfall Drain in Sindh to save precious land from water logging and salinity. Munir Khan Orakzai regretted tall claims made by the previous government regarding socio-economic development in FATA and said these all were white lies. He said it was a fact that no development project had been launched in tribal areas during the last eight years. He demanded to ensure allocated amount of Rs 12.7 billion to be spent on the socio-economic development of FATA and share for FATA in the in National Finance Commission Award along with representation in the commission. Talibanisation is spreading in tribal areas and 23,000 people had been killed so far. If appropriate measures are not taken by the government it will spread to the settled areas, said Ghulam Ahmed Bilour of ANP. He said it was good that minimum wage had been increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 6000, but due to price-hike it would be difficult for a poor man to manage clothing, food, treatment and education of children with this amount. He said: "We are not bi-product of martial law. We fought for democracy. We demand provincial autonomy which is our right". Restoration of judiciary is of utmost importance. "Musharraf is not our president. He must get vote of confidence from the Parliament", he added. Wasim Akhtar of MQM said that there are no incentives for industries in Karachi the biggest tax payer city of Pakistan. Criticising Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, he said he took suo motu action against kite flying. He must have taken such action against distribution of Zakat. Afzal Sindhu of PPP said that last govt made three prime ministers and what they did to them. The last PM who was imported by PML(Q) government ran away with billions of rupees, he added. National Reconciliation Order will strengthen this country and help in moving forward, he said, adding that Benazir was a patriot. She continued her journey for democracy not taking care of any danger. The budget was prepared with skyrocketing inflation, fiscal deficit, trade deficit and declining economy. All the figures were fudged. In this situation this is the best budget one could give to the nation, he added. Zubaida Jalal of PML(Q) said that increase in price of oil and fuel would crush the common man. She said that budget for education was not up to the mark. It must be increased. Federal ministries must mobilise resources in time to the provinces. About 25,000 houses were destroyed by floods in Balochistan and people were not compensated, she added.