Land reforms can be classified into five main categories:
Abolition of Intermediaries
- Before independence, India had three primary agrarian systems: zamindari, mahalwari, and ryotwari. The ryotwari system had a direct relationship between the government and the tiller, while the other two were controlled by zamindars and jagirdars who acted as intermediaries. The abolition of these intermediaries was essential to dismantling exploitative structures and directly empowering tillers.
Tenancy Reforms
Tenancy reforms aimed at addressing the exploitation of tenants by securing their rights. Tenants were categorized into three types:
- Occupancy Tenants: Had permanent and inheritable rights.
- Tenants at Will: Had no security and were at the mercy of landowners.
- Sub-Tenants: Worked under occupancy tenants and were often the most exploited.
- The main goals of tenancy reforms were to regulate rent, ensure security of tenure, and confirm ownership rights for tenants.
iii. Ceiling on Land Holdings
- Ceiling acts aimed to limit the amount of land an individual could own, ensuring that surplus land was redistributed to the landless. The 1973 land ceiling act was particularly significant in this context, marking a progressive step towards land redistribution.
Consolidation of Land Holdings
- Agricultural land in India is highly fragmented, making it inefficient for production. The consolidation of land holdings involves merging small, scattered plots into larger, more productive units. This process, which started in Punjab in 1921, has been implemented in various states, including Telangana, to create economic holdings that reduce cultivation costs and increase productivity.
Co-operative Farming
- Co-operative farming offers a solution to land fragmentation by pooling resources and efforts. This system improves productivity through better farming practices and increases farmer incomes through enhanced marketing strategies. Agricultural co-operatives, including multipurpose agricultural societies, provide essential services such as seeds, fertilizers, credit, and marketing to farmers in Telangana.