In a fiery address at a major agricultural event in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged farmers statewide to stand together against the central government’s alleged plot to dismantle MGNREGA in favor of the so-called Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act – derisively labeled ‘VB-G Ram Ji’ by the CM.
The event, combining the International Trade Fair-2026 preview, post-harvest agriculture initiatives for farmer empowerment, and awards for agricultural scientists, served as the perfect platform for Siddaramaiah’s message. He positioned his Congress-led government as the true champion of farmers, prioritizing profitable agriculture and post-harvest value addition.
‘Farmers must become entrepreneurs beyond just growing crops,’ he advised. Involvement in storage, processing, branding, sales, and value-added products is essential. Siddaramaiah spotlighted women farmers, honoring their exemplary contributions and calling for greater female participation in the fields.
Backing words with action, the government supplies premium seeds, manure, and pesticides. A massive Rs 1,500 crore subsidy aids machinery purchases, while Karnataka tops national crop insurance rankings with Rs 6,000 crore paid out in claims.
Crop-specific interventions were highlighted: fair pricing for sugarcane post-farmer talks, early tur procurement centers, and ambitious maize targets. With yields possibly hitting 54 lakh metric tons at Rs 2,400 per quintal, deals ensure 40 lakh metric tons are bought by industries and ethanol units.
Youth were exhorted to return to farms, as agricultural dependency dropped from 80% pre-independence to 62% today. India’s food security stands achieved, with manifesto pledges like reviving Krishi Bhagya – stopped by BJP, now funded with Rs 200 crore – fulfilled.
Welfare flagships such as Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi empower women, while Anna Bhagya saves money for the poor to invest. These schemes promote equity.
MGNREGA’s origins under Manmohan Singh were lauded for village-led employment benefiting marginalized groups. Now, central overreach dictates terms, prompting Siddaramaiah’s plea: Farmers, restore MGNREGA, shun VB-G Ram Ji.