Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting with Karnataka Agriculture Minister Chaluvaryaswamy on Saturday to discuss advancements in the state’s agricultural sector. Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge and senior state officials were also present at the discussions.
Following the meeting, Chouhan stated that Karnataka had requested additional Central funds for agricultural mechanization schemes under which farmers receive subsidies.
“More than 4 lakh houses are being allotted under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana this financial year. We have already allocated about 7.5 lakh houses to Karnataka under this scheme,” Chouhan said. He added, “The State has asked for more funds for mechanization schemes. I have advised them to fully utilize previously released funds, and we will work on releasing additional amounts. Karnataka also requested an increase in staff under the ATMA scheme, which we will address. Additionally, we released Rs 97 crore for watershed projects, as earlier funds have been utilized.”
Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the state’s suggestions for updating the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) rules.
“We have suggested necessary updates to the MGNREGA rules, which are over ten years old. We also requested technical corrections in the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and raised other issues related to Panchayati Raj and rural development. The Union Minister assured us he would look into these concerns,” Kharge said.
Minister’s Scheduled Activities
Later in the day, Chouhan is set to participate in several programs in Shivamogga, including the inauguration of an agricultural startup exhibition at PESIT College on Sagar Road. He will also attend the areca nut growers’ convention and interact with BJP workers and farmers at the Sagara Circuit House, according to the BJP.
Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa welcomed Chouhan’s visit, expressing appreciation for his leadership in agricultural and rural development.
ಮಧ್ಯಪ್ರದೇಶದ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಸುದೀರ್ಘ ಕಾಲ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಪರ ಆಡಳಿತ ನಡೆಸಿ, ಸರಳ ಸಜ್ಜನಿಕೆಯ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಎಂದು ಜನಾನುರಾಗಿಯಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಕೃಷಿ, ರೈತ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಗ್ರಾಮೀಣಾಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಸಚಿವರಾಗಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀ @ChouhanShivraj ಅವರು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಆಗಮಿಸಿದ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ… pic.twitter.com/VHeQ0pUG60
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) January 18, 2025
“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 (formerly Twitter).
“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,” he added.