Loan waiver of farmers is generous and unorthodox on part of the government, he added.

The prime minister on Friday acclaimed the Union Budget 2008-09 as pro-agriculture and pro-investment, saying the measures announced would address the problems of the critical farm sector and would lead to overall development of the economy.

Complimenting the move for development of stock markets and investment opportunities, he said listing of more PSUs would help the sentiment.

"There are good prospects for PSUs... markets are thirsty for good chips," he said on the finance minister's initiative for listing of more public sector companies through part divestment to unleash their potential.

Singh also acknowledged that the government has made a generous gesture in announcing a loan waiver for farmers.

"A lot more jobs will be created in the next few years," commented the prime minister.

Photo: Dr Manmohan Singh

Budget 2008: Complete coverage