Karnataka plans fruit orchards on government land to generate jobs in rural areas, revenue for local bodies
The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department in Karnataka is exploring a tree plantation drive that includes the development of fruit orchards on government
The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department in Karnataka is exploring a tree plantation drive that includes the development of fruit orchards on government land within gram panchayat limits to create employment for rural youth and generate additional revenue for local bodies. In a written direction to the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, RDPR Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has asked officials to prepare an action plan to develop fruit orchards on government land belonging to the Revenue Department in gram panchayat jurisdictions.
Khandre suggested that the orchards be leased annually through a transparent auction process to unemployed youth from the respective villages. He said the initiative would not only improve the green cover in villages but also provide livelihood opportunities for landless and unemployed youth while generating revenue for gram panchayats and the Revenue Department. Use of government land The Minister proposed that horticultural crops such as mango, sapota, amla, coconut, hybrid jamun and tamarind be planted on government land under the Revenue Department.
It would also help prevent encroachment while creating a steady source of income for local bodies, he said. He noted that the trees could be removed whenever required if the land was needed for government projects. Trees along roads Khandre also suggested planting tamarind, mango and other fruit-bearing trees along both sides of State highways, major district roads and village link roads falling within gram panchayat limits. The annual rights to harvest the produce from these trees could also be auctioned to local residents, he said.
Action plan sought The Minister has directed the department’s Secretary to prepare an action plan for implementing the proposal in consultation with senior officials of the Revenue and Forest Departments. He suggested that the initiative be taken up in collaboration with VB-G RAM G.
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