New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): The central government is committed towards the development of rural areas and progress of farmers, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday, addressing the joint session of parliament's both houses.

“The wellbeing of farmers is vital to the nation," the President said, marking the beginning of the budget session of parliament.

"The government recently launched Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme to facilitate insurance for post harvest losses, unseasonal rains, and uncapping of prices for certain crops. Eligibility norms have also been relaxed by the government to facilitate the farmers,” Mukherjee noted.

“My government in particular is focussed on 'Garibon Ki Unnati', 'Kisano Ki Samridhi' and 'Yuvaon Ko Rozgar'," the President said, adding, “My government is driving job creation through Make in India, Startup India and Mudra Scheme.”

The President said the central government firmly believes that economic development and environmental protection can co-exist.

“As part of the Namami Gange Programme, my government is implementing several projects in all 118 cities and complete sanitation solutions for 1,649 gram panchayats, on the banks of the holy Ganga,” he added.