The Land Acquisition Bill: A Missed Opportunity for True Food Independence in India

The Land Acquisition Bill, often debated in the political sphere, is more than just a legislative update on an outdated act. It touches upon the very crux of national food security and agricultural sustainability in India. This article aims to dissect the bill's implications, especially concerning farmers' rights and the broader issue of land usage in the country.

Background and Context

India’s current land acquisition system, last updated in 1894, has long been criticized for its inefficiency and lack of adaptability to modern land use requirements. The bill, initiated after several years of political maneuvering, seeks to address these shortcomings. However, critics like the Congress party argue that the bill fails to adequately protect farmers' rights and lacks crucial aspects like land zoning.

Core Issues with the Land Acquisition Bill

The bill's primary aim is to streamline the process of acquiring land for public and private projects. However, it lacks the foundational element of land zoning, crucial for sustainable land use. Without a comprehensive zoning framework, the bill may well accelerate the uncontrolled conversion of agricultural land into industrial and urban territories, undermining the agricultural base of the nation.

Ad Hoc Land Use and Its Consequences

India has not engaged in a large-scale survey and zone its land, as most developed nations have. This ad hoc approach has resulted in several issues, such as urban sprawl, forest conversion, and unorganized land utilization. Unlike developed countries, where one can still find green spaces even within a short distance from the city center, Indian cities have been left as urban slums, while villages are often ghost villages due to lack of proper planning.

Disadvantages for Farmers and the Disconnect

The Congress and Opposition parties have raised valid concerns that the bill fails to place the emphasis on farmland and farming activity rather than farmers themselves. The bill addresses acquisition issues but lacks provisions for the long-term protection of farmland. The current versions of the bill (2013 and 2014) risk un-farming the farmland, leading to significant economic and societal impacts.

To make matters worse, farmers, despite receiving compensation, often struggle to manage the funds due to a lack of understanding of financial management. The economic transition from farming to financial management proves challenging, leading to the misallocation of compensation and forced migration to urban areas in search of work.

Addressing the Concerns with Land Zoning

Land zoning is crucial for ensuring that farmland remains productive and that urban and industrial developments are planned with sustainability in mind. Without a zoning framework, the bill risks exacerbating the issue of land misallocation, where farmland adjacent to industrial corridors may become highly valued and subject to speculative real estate interests.

A comprehensive zoning plan would help to:

Preserve farmland by making it non-convertible, Support the continued viability of the farming industry, Ensure equitable compensation for farmers, Reduce migration from rural to urban areas, And foster sustainable urban and industrial growth.

Conclusion

The Land Acquisition Bill, despite its intentions, faces significant criticism for failing to adequately protect farmers' rights and farmland. The lack of a zoning framework represents a critical oversight that could jeopardize India's food independence and agricultural sustainability. Until the bill addresses these critical issues, the goals of food security and self-reliance in the agricultural sector remain at risk.

References and Further Reading

For further information on hunger and agriculture in India, please refer to Business Standard.