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Karnataka Agricultural Land Buying Rules: A Detailed List



Key Takeaways: 

  • Flexibility for Non-Agriculturist Individuals: With revised rules, it has become easier for individuals to purchase agricultural land. 


  • Ceiling Limits: A slight adjustment in land ownership has prevented the possibility of excessive land ownership. 


  • Clear Documentation: Proper documentation is the key to successful legal clearance.


  • Financial Incentives: Various available subsidies and loans are helpful for agricultural growth.

Purchasing agricultural land in Karnataka has become easier and more accessible due to recent changes in regulations. This guide will help you to understand Karnataka agricultural land buying rules, covering the legal framework, eligibility criteria, and procedural aspects of acquiring agricultural land, whether you are a farmer or not.


Be with us till the end, and choose the right decision effortlessly. 


Be with us till the end, this guide will help you make informed decisions.


Karnataka Agricultural Land Buying Rules

The Karnataka government has implemented specific rules and regulations on the purchasing process of agricultural land. The purpose is to manage the integrity of agricultural practices and ensure the usage of land is as intended. 


Some key aspects of Karnataka agricultural land buying rules are:


Eligibility criteria


Before Amendments

After Amendments

An agriculturist whose primary source of income is agriculture is only permitted to purchase agricultural land.

As per the amendments to the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, the purchase of agricultural land is now open to non-agriculturists as well, as the restrictions based on annual non-agricultural income have been removed. The aim is to promote more investment in agricultural land and boost agricultural productivity.

Land Ceiling

The rule is set to define the land ceiling limits. A single entity is not allowed to exceed the reach of the land as per the permission. The focus is to prevent large-scale accumulation. 


To prevent monopolies by individuals, the ceiling is set at: 

  1. 54 acres for irrigated land (land has the presence of a water body) 

  2. 108 acres for dry land ( land that has depended completely on rainfall) 


Approval and Conversion

A formal procedure needs to be followed if the individual is willing to use the land for non-agricultural purposes. 


Individuals who are willing to use land for non-agricultural purposes are required to go through formal procedures. 


Steps for approval: 

  • Send the application to the Deputy Commissioner 

  • Mention the reason for conversion clearly 

  • Paying the applicable conversion fees. 

  • Get the required approvals from the local authorities, including the Department of Agriculture and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. 


Land use Approval

During the changes to the usage of any land, permission from relevant authorities is required. It is to ensure compliance with regional planning and zoning regulations. 


Documentation and Compliance 

  • Title Deeds and Encumbrance Certificate: It is crucial to be specifically clear with the title deeds and obtain encumbrance certificates during the purchase. This will approve your legal dispute clearance or unpaid dues. 


  • Registration: The purpose of the sale should be registered with the Sub-Registrar’s office under the jurisdiction of the region where the land is located. After that, land records must be updated at the Revenue Department to reflect the new ownership. 


  • Mutation: In the mutation registration, the client has to update the land registration with new ownership. It is very important to update the records, as they will be crucial for official recognition. 


Land Use Restrictions

  • Zoning Laws: It is mandatory to comply with zoning laws and regulations, as it ensures that the land is only used for agricultural purposes; otherwise, there will be penalties and legal issues. 


  • Agricultural Practices:  Aims are agricultural activities and individuals need to ensure their land is being used for crop cultivation, horticulture, animal husbandry, and many more. 


Financial Aspects

  • Subsidies and Loans: To encourage buyers and sellers, the Karnataka government is offering subsidies and loans. Individuals can use these benefits to improve their agricultural land. 


  • Taxation: Agricultural income is exempt from income tax in India. However, some particular tax regulations need to be followed by individuals, particularly those who have converted their land for non-agricultural use. 


Let’s Compare: Penning down the significant changes over the years. 

Section

1961

2020

Section 80

Non-agriculturists were not allowed to own agricultural land.

The rules have been amended, and now non-agriculturists can own agricultural land with certain restrictions on land transfer.

Section 79A

Families with non-agricultural incomes over Rs. 2 lakhs/year were not allowed to own agricultural land.

The rule is dissolved, and now the income level is up to 25 lakhs/year for non agriculturist where they can own agricultural land.

Section 79B

Individuals who belong to non-farming families were prohibited from owning agricultural land in Karnataka.

This section has been revoked and individuals from any family background are allowed to own agricultural land in Karnataka.

Section 63

The ownership of agricultural land was limited to 10 units per person.

The ownership of agricultural land is now doubled, and the new limit is 20 units per person.

It is required to commence agricultural activities within the first year of ownership and mandatory to maintain these activities for at least five years; otherwise, the government has all the rights to seize the property. 

Purchasing Land With Swasya Living: Sustainable, Secure and Profitable 

At Swasya, we understand that going through the process of purchasing land with all the rules and government formalities can be exhausting. That’s why we as a managed farmland brand are here to make your process smooth and hassle-free. We will take care of your headache and ensure that all necessary paperwork and formalities are handled efficiently and accurately on your behalf.


By choosing Swasya Living, you are not only investing in managed farmlands, offering modern amenities with financial benefits, but also gaining peace of mind with the support form our experts.

Experience the seamless journey towards owning a profitable piece of agricultural land in Karnataka.


Conclusion - Agriculture Land Purchase Rules in Karnataka


Understanding the Karnataka agricultural land buying rules and the purchasing process for agricultural land is the first step toward a successful transaction. Navigating the agricultural land purchase has become more accessible with recent amendments.


For hassle-free acquisition, learning about the eligibility criteria, land ceiling limits, approval processes, and documentation requirements is very important, and if you are a non-agriculturist, following guidelines is a must to ensure clarity and compliance.


With the right mind and the right assistance, getting ownership of agricultural land can be a profitable venture.


Embrace the opportunity to contribute to Karnataka’s agricultural landscape while benefiting from financial incentives and legal support. 




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