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Pralhad Joshi Exposes Siddaramaiah's "Blatant Lies" on Maize Imports

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over maize procurement issues. He accused the state government of spreading "blatant lies" about maize imports and failing farmers. Joshi questioned why distilleries weren't mandated to purchase maize at Minimum Support Prices. The minister provided data showing minimal imports and significant export figures to counter the state's claims.

Key Points: Joshi Accuses Siddaramaiah of Lying About Maize Procurement

  • Union Minister accuses Karnataka CM of spreading maize import falsehoods
  • Questions why state didn't mandate distilleries to buy maize at MSP
  • Reveals only 0.5 LMT maize imported versus 2.52 LMT exported
  • Highlights maize allocation for ethanol surged from 8.29 to 125.75 LMT
2 min read

Siddaramaiah telling 'blatant lies' on maize procurement, imports: Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi claims Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah spreading falsehoods about maize imports and procurement, exposing state government failures.

"This is a blatant lie, far removed from the truth - Pralhad Joshi"

Hubballi, Nov 22

Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Saturday claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been spreading "blatant lies" about maize procurement and imports in the state.

Speaking to the media in Hubballi, Union Minister Joshi said the Siddaramaiah government has "neglected" the interests of farmers in the state.

"Like someone helpless, the CM is now trying to shift the blame onto the Centre because his own administration has collapsed under failure," he said.

The minister questioned why the state government had not directed distilleries to enter into agreements with the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd (NCCF) or the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) to ensure guaranteed procurement of maize for ethanol production.

"These distilleries, licensed by the state government, should have been strictly instructed to enter into formal purchase agreements for maize," he said.

He further asked why the state has not mandated distilleries to procure maize at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Knowing all this, the state government is hiding its "failures" and "administrative paralysis" by blaming the Centre and "misleading" farmers, he charged.

Dismissing the claim that the Centre imported 70 lakh metric tonnes of maize this year, the Union Minister said, "This is a blatant lie, far removed from the truth. In 2025–26, only 0.5 LMT has been imported. Exports are higher - as much as 2.52 LMT."

The import duty on maize is around 50 per cent, which has effectively curbed imports, he added.

According to Joshi, maize allocated for ethanol and industrial use has increased sharply: from 8.29 LMT in 2022–23 to 75.38 LMT in 2023–24 and 125.75 LMT in 2024–25.

The Centre has increased market demand, but the state government has "failed" to ensure that farmers benefit from it, Pralhad Joshi said.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Centre is always committed to the welfare of the farmers, he remarked.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The data speaks for itself - exports are higher than imports. Why is the CM spreading misinformation? This political blame game is hurting our farmers who deserve better governance.
P
Priya S
As someone from a farming family in Belagavi, I can confirm the distress in maize cultivation. Both state and centre need to work together instead of this constant blame game. Farmers are the real victims here. 😔
M
Michael C
The numbers show ethanol allocation has increased dramatically from 8.29 LMT to 125.75 LMT - that's impressive growth. The state government should focus on implementation rather than excuses.
A
Ananya R
While I appreciate the data shared by Joshi ji, I wish both sides would stop the political rhetoric and actually visit the farms to understand ground reality. Our farmers need solutions, not political statements. 🙏
V
Vikram M
The 50% import duty is actually protecting our farmers from cheap imports. At least the Centre is doing something right. State government should focus on their responsibilities instead of blaming others.

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