Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to examine possible changes to its land-reform regulations governing plantation properties, with an expert committee expected to study proposals aimed at allowing greater flexibility in the use of plantation land.

The proposed review could have implications for plantation owners, farmers and agricultural enterprises, particularly in areas where traditional plantation cultivation has become economically challenging.

Expert Committee to Examine Land-Use Changes

The State Government has initiated steps towards examining amendments to provisions of the Kerala Land Reforms Act. An expert committee headed by Land Revenue Commissioner A.T. James is expected to take up the matter for detailed consideration.

One of the key issues before the committee is the possibility of permitting plantation land to be used for certain agriculture-related and allied activities. The proposals include crop diversification and activities such as agroforestry, cultivation of medicinal plants, dairy farming and tourism-related uses.

The committee is expected to hold its preliminary discussions in the coming month.

Proposal to Expand Permitted Use of Plantation Land

Under the existing provisions, plantation properties are subject to specific land-use restrictions. The newspaper report notes that, under Section 81(4) of the Kerala Land Reforms Act, provisions already exist concerning the use of a limited portion of plantation land for specified purposes.

The proposal under consideration includes examining whether the existing five per cent provision can be utilised more effectively for agricultural and allied activities.

There have also been demands to permit the cultivation of additional long-duration crops and fruit-bearing plants on plantation properties. Suggestions have been made to reconsider the definition of a "plantation" so that landowners have greater flexibility to diversify their agricultural activities.

IIM Kozhikode Study Also Examined Plantation Sector

The issue has been under discussion for some time. The government had previously commissioned the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) to study ways to improve plantation-sector management, including modernisation, crop diversification and alternative uses of plantation land.

The study examined issues affecting the profitability and long-term sustainability of plantations and considered possibilities for diversification.

The latest move indicates that the government is now looking at the subject from a broader land-policy and agricultural-development perspective.

Potential Significance for Kerala's Plantation Regions

Any changes to the regulations could be particularly relevant to Kerala's major plantation belts, including Idukki, Wayanad, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and parts of Ernakulam.

Plantation properties in these regions include large areas under tea, coffee, rubber and other crops. The possibility of introducing additional agricultural or allied activities could provide property owners with more options for diversification, subject to the final legal provisions.

The proposed review could also become significant for agritourism, farm tourism and plantation tourism, depending on what changes are eventually approved.

However, no final amendment has been announced yet. The expert committee's recommendations and any subsequent government decision will determine the extent of changes to the existing regulations.