Agricultural land in J&K can now be owned by non-agriculturists

Agricultural and horticultural land in Jammu and Kashmir can now be bought by non-agriculturists.

The decision was taken by the Administrative Council of Jammu and Kashmir, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The Council has directed district collectors to grant permission to agriculturists to dispose off their land to non-agriculturists “for extending primary activities on larger commercial lines and reap benefits under economy of sale”. However, the sale will be under some conditions.

The J&K Land Alienation Act, V of 1995 defined certain sections of the society as agriculturists, allowing only them to own agricultural land in J&K.

According to official sources, there have been demands from certain communities like Mahajans, Khatris and Sikhs for right to buy/sell agricultural land for investment in agriculture and allied activities.

The decision taken by the Administrative Council allows the sale of land up to 20 kanals for agriculture and allied activities, and up to 80 kanal in case of horticulture orchards. One kanal is equal to 505.857 sq mts.

As a result of the decision, non-agriculturists can acquire land for agriculture and allied activities, enabling investments in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, the Council feels.

Several states in the country have laws similar to J&K Land Alienation Act, which prohibit non-agriculturists from buying agricultural land.