Agricultural Land Management under the Mizoram (Land Revenue) Rules, 2013

The Mizoram (Land Revenue) Rules, 2013, provide a detailed framework for the management and regulation of agricultural land within the state. These rules, enacted under the Mizoram (Land Revenue) Act, 2013, outline specific provisions for the allotment, holding, and use of land for agricultural purposes, aiming to ensure its productive use and systematic administration.

Under the 2013 Rules, agricultural land can be allotted either through a Periodic Patta or by a land lease for a specific tenure and purpose. This dual system allows for flexibility in accommodating different types of agricultural activities, from commercial plantations to horticultural or general agricultural farming. The rules specify that holders of a Periodic Patta or a lease must comply with the terms and conditions laid down therein.

For the issuance of a Periodic Patta for agricultural purposes, the rules stipulate a maximum area that can be allotted: 60 bighas or 80,268 square metres per family or per juristic person domiciled in Mizoram for permanent plantation. Permanent plantation is defined broadly to include various cash crops, trees, medicinal plants, orchards, and floriculture. The initial allotment of agricultural land is typically made on a Periodic Patta, subject to the recommendation of the Site Allotment Advisory Board. The Director, Settlement Officer, or Assistant Settlement Officer may issue the Periodic Patta after government approval.

Land may also be allotted under a lease arrangement, particularly for areas exceeding the 60-bigha limit for Periodic Pattas, in exceptional and justifiable grounds, requiring the recommendation of the Public Investment Board. These land leases are issued on a fixed tenure. Applicants for land under lease must submit a comprehensive plan of their intended purpose, and the land must be used accordingly. The development of leased land for the intended purpose is required within two years of allotment.

The rules also address the conversion of Periodic Patta into an Agricultural Land Settlement Certificate (ALSC). Before granting such conversion, the concerned officers must verify the quality of land use and ensure that the landholder has been regularly paying the annual land revenue. The tenure of the Periodic Patta must also not have lapsed. If there is excess area in the land recorded under Periodic Patta, the holder may request its inclusion in the ALSC upon payment of a redemption fee and land revenue for the excess area.

A significant aspect of the 2013 Rules is the focus on ensuring land allotted for agriculture is actively cultivated or developed. The rules introduce measures against leaving land uncultivated or undeveloped. Revenue officials are tasked with inspecting land use, and a social audit of development or land use can also be conducted. Penalties are imposed for land left uncultivated, with increasing rates of land revenue charged after the initial two years. Automatic cancellation of land allotment can occur if the land remains uncultivated or undeveloped for ten years. However, land cultivated or developed to the extent of 50% of the total area is regarded as deemed cultivated or developed. Exemptions may be granted for extraneous reasons preventing development, such as forcible occupation by security forces.

The terms and conditions for both Periodic Patta and ALSC explicitly state that the land should primarily be utilized for the specified agricultural purpose. Failure to utilize the land to the extent of 60% is considered a diversion of purpose. The government retains the right to mines, minerals, and other resources on the land, with full liberty to search for and work them, though compensation for damage to structures may be paid.

In cases where a Periodic Patta holder or ALSC holder no longer requires the land, they are required to surrender it to the government. Periodic Pattas are renewable upon application before their expiry, and failure to renew can lead to automatic cancellation.

Overall, the agricultural land provisions within the Mizoram (Land Revenue) Rules, 2013, demonstrate a clear intent to regulate the allotment and use of agricultural land, encourage its productive utilization, and establish a structured system for its management and revenue collection. The rules provide detailed procedures, define different types of agricultural land holdings, set limits on area, and include mechanisms to penalize non-utilization, reflecting a comprehensive approach to agricultural land administration in Mizoram.