Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a stark warning to farmers on Friday, branding the central government’s move to substitute MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act as a dangerous ‘conspiracy.’ Dubbed ‘VB-G Ram Ji,’ the scheme drew sharp criticism during his speech at Bengaluru’s prestigious agri-event encompassing the International Trade Fair-2026, post-harvest empowerment programs, and scientist honors.
Reaffirming his administration’s pro-farmer stance, Siddaramaiah outlined strategies to boost farm incomes via post-harvest engagement. ‘Transform into full-fledged agri-business owners,’ he encouraged, covering the entire chain from storage to market-ready products.
Women’s pivotal role shone through awardees’ stories, inspiring a push for more female involvement. Concrete aids include quality inputs, Rs 1,500 crore machinery subsidies, and leading crop insurance with Rs 6,000 crore disbursed.
Farmers’ crop choices like sugarcane and ragi need expansion into value chains. Sugarcane FRP set via dialogue; tur centers proactive; maize poised for 54 lakh MT at fixed MSP, with 40 lakh MT procurement locked via industry pacts.
Appealing to the young, he lamented agriculture’s share shrinking from 80% to 62%. Self-reliance in food secured, Congress promises delivered – notably Krishi Bhagya’s revival with Rs 200 crore after BJP’s suspension.
Schemes like Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi uplift women; Anna Bhagya aids savings. MGNREGA, Manmohan Singh’s gift, decentralized jobs for the vulnerable – now centralized by Delhi.
‘Unite, demand MGNREGA back, reject VB-G Ram Ji,’ the CM implored, painting a vision of empowered rural India under state stewardship.