The Expert Committee on Land Leading chaired by T Haque has among other things, prepared a Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act. An analysis of the model act reveals that the act favours the lessee over the landowner, and risks of aiding in the diversion of land hitherto used for field crops to being used for allied agricultural activities, which may not be the best use of land in the long run.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organisation he belongs to.
Absence of a sound institutional framework facilitating land leasing had been viewed as a major obstacle for private investment in agriculture resulting in poor productivity. In this context, NITI Aayog had appointed an Expert Committee on Land Leasing, under the chairmanship of T Haque (NITI Aayog 2016).
Besides, reviewing existing agricultural tenancy laws of states, the expert committee had to suggest appropriate amendments with a view to legalise and liberalise land leasing; and, more importantly, to prepare a model act. The expert committee had consultations with states, farmer associations and civil societies. In the final report, the committee provides a Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act (henceforth Model Leasing Act), which contains provisions that pose a direct threat to the food security of the country.
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