BENGALURU: Karnataka has made changes to the Land Reforms Act 1961 through an ordinance to allow non-agriculturists to buy and own farmland for farming, according to an official here on Tuesday. "The Land Reforms Act has been amended through an ordinance and notified after Governor Vajubhai R. Vala gave his assent to it on Monday night," a Revenue Department official said. It now permits non-farmers to buy farmland and grow food crops. But they can't use it for other activities.
"Sections 79 A, B and C of the Act have been repealed, paving way for bona fide citizens to invest in farmland and take to farming as a hobby, passion or additional occupation, which is rewarding," the official said.
The amended Act will enable the state to attract investment in the farm sector and boost food output. The farm sector's contribution to the state's gross domestic product (GDP) has been less than manufacturing and services sectors over the last two decades. (IANS)