Bengaluru witnessed a passionate call from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, as he rallied farmers across the state to unite against what he described as a central government conspiracy. Speaking at the International Trade Fair-2026, Post-Harvest Agriculture-Farmer Empowerment event, and the State-Level Agricultural Scientist Awards ceremony, the CM warned of the impending replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, or ‘VB-G Ram Ji’ as he mockingly termed it.
Siddaramaiah emphasized his government’s unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector. ‘We are steadfastly supporting farmers to make farming profitable and empower them through post-harvest activities,’ he declared. He urged farmers to evolve into entrepreneurs, engaging not just in cultivation but also in storage, processing, packaging, marketing, and by-product development.
Highlighting the role of women in agriculture, the CM praised the award-winning female farmers present, calling their achievements truly inspiring. He noted that more women must participate in farming to strengthen the sector.
The state government has rolled out substantial support measures. High-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides are being provided, alongside a Rs 1,500 crore subsidy for purchasing farming machinery. Karnataka leads the nation in implementing the Crop Insurance Scheme, having disbursed Rs 6,000 crore in insurance claims to farmers so far.
Addressing specific crops, Siddaramaiah pointed out that farmers often limit themselves to sugarcane and ragi, neglecting post-harvest opportunities. Sugarcane prices were fixed after consultations with farmers, and tur dal procurement centers opened a month early to benefit growers. On maize, he revealed potential production of 54 lakh metric tons, with the central government setting a price of Rs 2,400 per quintal. Agreements have been secured with maize-based industries and ethanol producers to procure 40 lakh metric tons.
The CM made a fervent appeal to youth to embrace farming, recalling that 80% of the population depended on agriculture before independence, now down to 62%. He touted India’s food self-sufficiency and fulfillment of Congress manifesto promises, including restarting the Krishi Bhagya scheme, which the previous BJP government had halted. His administration allocated nearly Rs 200 crore for it.
Praising welfare schemes like Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, and Gruha Lakshmi for women, and Anna Bhagya for the poor, Siddaramaiah stressed their role in providing equal opportunities. He defended MGNREGA, launched under former PM Manmohan Singh, which empowered women, tribals, and laborers through village-decided works.
Accusing the center of usurping control over MGNREGA funds and work selection, he urged all farmers to demand its restoration and reject the ‘VB-G Ram Ji’ scheme outright.