Hubballi: Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Pralhad Joshi launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of spreading “blatant lies” about maize procurement and imports while attempting to shift blame onto the Centre.
Speaking to the media in Hubballi, Joshi alleged that the state government has failed to protect farmers’ interests and is now deflecting responsibility. “Unable to manage its own shortcomings, the Siddaramaiah administration is trying to mislead farmers by blaming the Centre,” Joshi charged.
The minister questioned why the state had not directed distilleries to enter into agreements with agencies such as NAFED or NCCF for assured maize procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He pointed out that distilleries operate under state excise licenses, giving the government full authority to enforce MSP compliance. “If distilleries are buying maize below MSP, it is because the state has failed to issue strict orders,” Joshi said.
Countering Siddaramaiah’s claim that the Centre imported 70 lakh metric tons of maize this year, Joshi termed it “a falsehood far from reality.” He clarified that in 2025–26, only 0.5 lakh metric tons were imported, while exports stood at 2.52 lakh metric tons. He added that import duties of 50 percent have effectively curbed foreign maize inflows, protecting domestic farmers.
Joshi also highlighted the Centre’s efforts to boost maize demand for ethanol and industrial use. He cited figures showing allocations rising sharply: 8.29 lakh metric tons in 2022–23, 75.38 lakh metric tons in 2023–24, and 125.75 lakh metric tons in 2024–25 — a 1,417 percent increase compared to 2022–23. “The Centre has expanded demand substantially, but the state has failed to ensure farmers benefit from it,” he alleged.
Accusing Siddaramaiah of indulging in a “blame game,” Joshi said the Chief Minister was misrepresenting facts and misleading farmers with false statistics. “The Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains firmly committed to farmers’ welfare. Instead of pointing fingers, the state government must act swiftly to resolve farmers’ distress,” Joshi asserted.
The remarks come amid mounting political tension over falling maize and moong prices in Karnataka, with the state pressing the Centre for intervention. Joshi’s rebuttal signals a deepening confrontation between the Union and state governments over agricultural policy and farmer welfare.
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