Land Logic Needed: Agri-Economist Urges Smarter Industrial Space Policy

In a bid to balance farming sustainability with industrial development, celebrated agri-economist T.N. Prakash Kammaradi has urged the government to have an overall policy to scientifically determine the land requirements of industry. His statement is made ahead of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's planned meeting with Devanahalli farmers protesting land acquisition for a proposed Defence and Aerospace Park.

Demand for Inclusive Consultation

Kammaradi criticized the lack of industry players during land acquisition negotiations

He advocated for direct involvement of industrial players in solving inherent farmer problems

Noted institutions such as IIM-Bangalore and ISEC were suggested to assist in policy framing

Scientific land appraisal is necessary.

Present land allocations have no well-defined norms, which tends to cause uneven allocations

Kammaradi proposed a land requirement evaluation model by industry category, employment potential, and operation category

He stressed decentralized development and equitable development in Karnataka

Protecting Farm Interests

The economist advocated insulating not just canal-irrigated but also borewell-irrigated productive lands from purchase

He emphasized the protection of food and nutrition security while encouraging industrialization

An open land use plan was suggested to avoid future conflicts

Outside Devanahalli

Though prompted by the Devanahalli case, Kammaradi feels the policy must be implemented state-wide

He argued that land norms' clarity would advance farmers and industries in the long term

Sources: The Hindu, The Hindu BusinessLine, News Nation TV, Deccan Herald, The Economic Times