After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah blamed the Centre for the issue of maize procurement—stating that the slump has caused distress among farmers, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi responded by saying that the State Government has failed to take immediate and necessary action at its own level.
Pralhad Joshi questioned why the State Government (under Hon. CM Siddaramaiah) has not instructed distilleries to sign agreements with NCCF or NAFED for the guaranteed procurement of maize meant for ethanol production. These distilleries, which operate under licenses issued by the State Government itself, should have been strictly directed to enter into formal agreements with NCCF/NAFED for assured procurement. But this has not been done. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding this process has already been sent to the concerned stakeholders.
“Before pointing fingers at the Centre, the State Government must answer this: Why has the Karnataka Government not made it mandatory for distilleries to procure maize from farmers at MSP? The full authority to enforce local procurement norms lies clearly with the State. If distilleries are purchasing below MSP, the primary reason is the State Government’s failure to issue the required order. The SOP very clearly states that distilleries must place their requirement, and all these distilleries function under the State Excise Department. Due to this inaction, farmers today are paying the price. This is the result of the Karnataka Government’s governance failure.”
He refuted import-related claims made by CM Siddaramaiah, saying, “The allegation by the Congress Government that the Government of India has imported 70 LMT of maize this year is completely false and far from the truth. The actual figures for 2025–26 tell a very different story: Imports: only about 0.5 LMT; Exports: about 2.52 LMT. Moreover, the import duty on maize is around 50%, which effectively discourages imports. There is no benefit in circulating false numbers, accuracy matters. Isn’t this habitual blame game the core motto of this government?”
Union Minister highlighted the significant increase in maize allocation for ethanol production. He said, “A key truth the State Government is hiding is the huge rise in the quantity of maize allocated for ethanol and industrial use: 2022–23: 8.29 LMT; 2023–24: 75.38 LMT; 2024–25: 125.75 LMT. This is a 1,417% increase compared to 2022–23, and a 66% rise over last year. The Central Government has clearly increased market demand, but the Karnataka Government has failed to ensure that this increased demand benefits farmers.”
“Our Central Government is firmly committed to the welfare of farmers and prioritises them. Instead of repeatedly blaming the Centre, it is essential that the State Government immediately fulfils its own duties and takes the required steps to resolve farmers’ distress,” he concluded.
