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Updated: July 10, 2025 07:14
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