Hubballi: In a sharp and scathing criticism of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pralhad Joshi on November 22 alleged that the Congress government is deliberately misleading the farming community by spreading “blatant lies” about maize procurement and imports. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi said the CM is attempting to shift responsibility to the Centre to cover up his own administration’s failures.
Joshi accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of completely neglecting the interests of maize growers at a time when the state’s agricultural distress is at its peak. “Instead of taking timely action, the CM is now shamelessly pointing fingers at the Centre. Those who failed the farmers are blaming others as if lives have been lost due to the Union Government,” he said.
ಖಚಿತವಾದ ಖರೀದಿ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆ (Guaranteed Procurement)
ಮೆಕ್ಕೆಜೋಳ ಖರೀದಿಯ ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರವು ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಮೇಲೆ ಗೂಬೆ ಕೂರಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ, ಆದರೆ ಈ ದಿಸೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತಟಾಕ್ಷಣವಾಗಿ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳ ಬೇಕಾದ ಕಾರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಮಾಡುವಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ವಿಫಲವಾಗಿದೆ:
1. ಎಥೆನಾಲ್ (Ethanol) ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಗಾಗಿ ಮೆಕ್ಕೆಜೋಳದ ಖಾತರಿ ಖರೀದಿಗೆ ಎನ್…— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) November 22, 2025
The Union Minister said Siddaramaiah has conveniently forgotten the duties that fall squarely on the state government—ensuring local procurement, enforcing support prices, and regulating distilleries that buy maize for ethanol production. “The CM is spreading lies about maize imports to hide his failures. Karnataka has full authority to regulate procurement and enforce MSP. Why has the state not used this authority?” he questioned.
‘Why no orders to distilleries?’
Joshi questioned why the state government had not issued clear instructions to distilleries to enter into agreements with NCCF or NAFED for guaranteed maize purchases. “Distilleries operate under licences issued by the Karnataka government. Why has Siddaramaiah not made it mandatory for them to buy maize at MSP?” he demanded.
He further added that if distilleries are purchasing maize at prices below MSP, “the sole reason is the state government’s failure to issue strict orders.” The SOP governing the ethanol procurement process, Joshi pointed out, clearly empowers states to enforce MSP-linked buying. “Yet Siddaramaiah blames the Centre instead of acting where he holds direct authority,” he said.
‘70 lakh metric ton import claim is a lie’
Calling the CM’s figures “fabricated and irresponsible,” Joshi dismissed Siddaramaiah’s claim that the Centre imported 70 lakh metric tons of maize this year. “This is a blatant lie. The actual import in 2025-26 is only 0.5 LMT. On the contrary, India exported 2.52 LMT,” he said.
Joshi said the Modi government has intentionally kept a 50% import duty to prevent large-scale imports and protect domestic farmers. “But instead of acknowledging this, Siddaramaiah chooses to spread misinformation,” he said.
Massive increase in maize allocation for ethanol
The Union Minister presented figures showing a dramatic increase in maize allocation for ethanol and industrial use:
• 2022-23: 8.29 LMT
• 2023-24: 75.38 LMT
• 2024-25: 125.75 LMT
“This is an increase of 1,417 peer cent in two years. The Centre has boosted demand and improved market opportunities. But the Karnataka government has failed to ensure farmers receive the benefits,” Joshi said.
‘Siddaramaiah’s blame game won’t work’
Joshi accused the Chief Minister of making blame-shifting his primary administrative strategy. “He governs through excuses. Instead of resolving issues, he plays politics and misleads farmers,” he said.
The minister added that the Centre has consistently supported the agriculture sector, expanded MSP coverage, and strengthened ethanol procurement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “The Centre is committed to farmers. But the Karnataka government is obsessed with accusing Delhi every time it fails,” he said.
Joshi urged the state government to stop its political theatrics and take immediate corrective steps to support maize growers. “Farmers need action, not lies. Siddaramaiah must drop his habit of blaming the Centre for every problem created by his own government,” he concluded.
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