Can Non Farmer Buy Agricultural Land?

Hi Adhila, I came across your query regarding can a non farmer buy agricultural land or not. In Karnataka, anyone can buy agricultural land after the amendment of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 in 2020. The then-ruling government made major changes by omitting Sections 79 A, B and C from the Act. I will explain these sections and what they mean to you as a non-agricultural person looking to buy land in the following paragraphs.

Can a Non Agriculturist Buy Agricultural Land in Karnataka?

After leaving out Sections 79 A, B and C, non-agriculturists can buy agricultural land. Section 79A barred a person or family with an annual non-agricultural income of Rs. 25 lakhs from buying agricultural land. While Section 79B allowed only a person cultivating land personally to purchase agricultural land. Section 79C issued penalties for false claims over the eligibility to hold agricultural land. 

But all these three sections are not included under the Act as of now. I did read an article by the Hindu that stated that the present government is looking to reinstate the three sections, but it hasn’t been done yet. So, as of now, non-agriculturalists can buy agricultural land. I hope you now know can a non farmer buy agricultural land in India. 

As a working professional, I make less than 25 lakh every year. In Maharashtra, I wish to purchase agricultural land. But I have no farming history, nor do I own any land in any other part of India. So I did some research online to know: Can non farmer buy agricultural land in Maharashtra? I discovered that it is not possible for a non-agriculturist to purchase agricultural land in Maharashtra. 

Can Non Agriculturist Buy Agricultural Land in Maharashtra?

No. If you are not a farmer, then you are permitted to purchase agricultural land, according to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code of 1966. Maharashtra allows land purchases only to farmers.

Farm land cannot be immediately purchased without fulfilling the below prerequisites:

• There must be a relative who owns farmland.

• Obtain authorisation from the collector's office stating that you intend to work in agriculture.

• Work as a farmhand and obtain an agricultural employment letter from the farmer.

An individual has the right to purchase if any of their parents or grandparents are farmers. A person can still be regarded as a farmer in Maharashtra even if they own land elsewhere in India. The maximum area allowed to purchase is 54 acres, depending on the type of land and the water supply level. To purchase agricultural land in Maharashtra, the buyer can provide a certificate attesting to their father or grandfather's farming status. 

Now that you have the information given above, I think your question on can a non farmer buy agricultural land in Maharashtra has been answered.