New Delhi : The economy will accelerate in the coming years after the global downturn, but the government will push policies to protect millions of poor from the impact of food inflation, the President said on Feb 22.

Pratibha Patil said the economy is likely to grow about 7.5 percent in the current fiscal year ending March and the government would aim for annual growth rate of 8 per cent and 9 percent in the next two years. "It is imperative that as our economy grows apace, the disadvantaged sections of society be made part of the Indian success story," Patil said in a speech to India's parliament. Patil said the government would take measures to bring relief over food prices, which rose over 17 percent on year in January. "My government is committed to bringing forth a legislation to ensure food security," she said.