Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with Karnataka Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvaryaswamy and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday to discuss initiatives to boost the state’s agricultural and rural development sectors. Senior state officials also attended the meeting.
Speaking after the meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Karnataka had requested additional Central funds to support mechanization schemes for farmers. These schemes include subsidies to encourage the adoption of advanced farming equipment.
“More than 4 lakh houses are being allotted under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana this year. We have already given 7.5 lakh houses to Karnataka under the scheme,” Chouhan told ANI. “Karnataka has also asked for more funds for agricultural mechanization. I have asked them to fully utilize previously released funds, and we will work on releasing additional funds.”
Chouhan added that Karnataka had raised concerns about staffing under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme and requested more resources. “We also released ₹97 crore today for watershed projects as earlier funds were utilized effectively,” he said.
Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the state’s recommendations for policy adjustments, particularly under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
“We have suggested necessary tweaks to the MGNREGA rules since it has been more than a decade. Additionally, we have requested technical corrections under PMGSY and other Panchayati Raj-related issues. The Union Minister has assured us that these matters will be reviewed,” Kharge said.
Following the meeting, the Union Minister participated in various programs in Shivamogga. He inaugurated an exhibition showcasing agricultural startups at PESIT College on Sagar Road and attended a convention for areca nut growers. Later, he interacted with BJP workers and farmers at Sagara Circuit House.
Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa extended a warm welcome to Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praising his dedication to farmers’ welfare and rural development.
“A warm welcome to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, to Karnataka!” Yediyurappa posted on X.
“As the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and a visionary leader, @ChouhanShivraj Ji has transformed countless lives with his dedication to farmers’ welfare and rural development. We are honored to host him in our state for a day dedicated to innovation, growth, and empowering our farmers. His leadership and insights will inspire progress in Karnataka’s agriculture and rural sectors,” he added.
The visit underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to address Karnataka’s agricultural challenges and explore innovative approaches for rural development.
