Sun Nov 17 15:35:13 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Accuses Centre of Neglecting Farmers, Demands Loan Restoration

**Bagalkot, Karnataka, November 17, 2024:** Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the BJP-led NDA government of neglecting farmers, alleging a drastic reduction in farm loans by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Speaking at the 71st Cooperative Week celebrations in Bagalkot on Sunday, Siddaramaiah stated that NABARD has reduced farm loans by approximately 58%, crippling farmers’ ability to invest and impacting agricultural output.

He criticized the central government’s takeover of the cooperative sector, claiming it was done without consulting states and resulted in a reduction of NABARD grants from ₹5,600 crore to ₹3,260 crore. The CM revealed he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urging them to restore the previous loan amounts. He called for a united opposition across party lines to this alleged injustice.

Siddaramaiah highlighted his own government’s past initiatives, including the waiver of ₹8,165 crore in farm loans and subsequent repayment of those waived loans. He also cited increases in milk procurement subsidies and efforts to improve coordination within the dairy sector. He emphasized the importance of financial independence for marginalized communities and women through cooperative participation, advocating for increased representation and improved market access for milk and milk products.

The Chief Minister further proposed reserving a quota for cooperative and cooperative management graduates in the state’s department of cooperation recruitment. The event also saw 71 individuals receiving Sahakar Ratna awards. Several ministers and cooperative leaders attended the ceremony.

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