Various states follow different guidelines for the purchase of agricultural land. In certain states only an agriculturist can purchase such land whereas there are no restrictions in other states. All over India, NRIs and foreign citizens can’t purchase agricultural land/plantation property/farm houses. They can, however, inherit agricultural lands. Here providing the information state by state in alphabetical order.
There are no restrictions for those looking at investing in agricultural land. Anyone can purchase agricultural land here. The maximum ceiling limit of land area as per the Andhra Pradesh Land Reforms Act, 1973 is as follows: The family unit ( Individual, Spouse and 3 Minor Children) can be hold or purchased maximum extent of land is 10 Acres in Class A lands ( irrigated & double crop wet lands) and can hold upto 54 acres in Class K ( dry and non irrigated lands). Agriculture lands in agency tracts, who is owned by Schedule Tribal (ST)should not be transferable to individuals except ST cooperative societies and its members( again member should be schedule Tribal).
In Arunachal Pradesh , sale of land or property to outsiders (non-tribals) is prohibited. Arunachal falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and in all such areas, non-tribals cannot purchase land or property.
There are no restrictions for those looking at investing in agricultural land. Anyone can purchase agricultural land here. The maximum ceiling limit of land area as per the Bihar Land Reforms Act, 1961 is as follows; The family unit ( Individual, Spouse and Minor Children) can be hold or purchased maximum extent of land is 15 Acres in Class I lands ( irrigated lands) and 45 acres in Class VI( hilly and sandy). One who is willing to sell his agriculture land, first he has to inform to co- sharers ( lease holder) or adjacent land owner. If they are not willing to buy with in three months time then he can sell to any one.
The State government passed Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code (amendment) Bill, 2017 (amendment in section 165 of the Chhattisgarh/Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959) has been passed to simplify the land acquisition process and to eliminate hindrances in the path development. As per the new law in scheduled areas, tribal people can sell their land with the permission from Collectors. Hence there are no restrictions in this state to buy agriculture land.
Agricultural lands can’t be purchased by a non-agriculturist. Earlier, only those residing in the State could invest in agricultural land in Gujarat but in 2012 the Gujarat High Court passed a judgement that allows any agriculturist in the country to purchase such land in the State.
Certain areas in the State have been declared ‘controlled areas’ and for those looking at purchasing agricultural land in these areas for non-agricultural purposes, they need to obtain a certificate indicating the change of land use from the Government of Haryana.
Only an agriculturist belonging to the State can purchase agricultural land here. People from other states require prior permission of the Government of Himachal Pradesh u/s 118 of HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act. The maximum land ceiling limit in is 160 bighas or 32 acres.
The law concerning ‘state subjects’ was enforced in J&K on April 20, 1927, to prevent rich foreigners from purchasing land, to protect the interests of the peasantry. The law was later adopted by the state’s democratically elected government. The law continued till 1957 when the new constitution of J&K was introduced and ‘state subject’ was changed to ‘permanent resident’. Permanent Resident Status (PRS) was accorded to those who had been living in the state for at least 10 years before 14 May, 1954. The PRS was permanent and non-discriminatory.
Only an agriculturist can purchase agricultural land. A non-agriculturist is a person whose income from any source exceeds Rs. 25 lakh per annum (earlier the limit was Rs.2 lakh per annum). Under Section 109 of Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, social or industrial organisations can purchase agricultural land with Government approval.
