A bill is in the works in Kerala to legalize land leasing for agricultural purposes, which is intended to address the issue of unused land and promote agricultural growth. The bill is modeled on the Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Rights Act of 2019.
The bill will establish a legal framework for farmers involved in lease farming, enabling them to secure benefits such as loans and crop insurance. It also aims to promote agricultural mechanization.
Lease farming is a system where landowners lease their land to individuals who do not own land, with the lessee paying for the right to cultivate the land for a determined period. The legislation directly addresses challenges such as migrant landowners, who may have left lands fallow, and elderly farmers who are struggling to maintain cultivation. It intends to help facilitate land leasing while maintaining ownership and promoting greater land utilization.