Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (EP)

New Delhi, Jan 9: Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel met minister of forests and environment Dr Harshvardhan on January 8 and requested him to renew leases sanctioned under Madras Forest Act 1882 / Rules and Madras Forest Code or make them permanent.

The MP stated, “There are traditional farmers in Sullia and Puttur which was part of Madras in the past. The government has approved forest land for cultivation in other taluks in the district which is being used for agriculture.

“Areca, coconuts, bananas etc are grown as per conditions of lease and there were no violations. The land is approved within the area of two to ten hectares limits. The lease period has expired in all the cases. Farmers who developed land with money borrowed from bank and non-banking institutions are facing uncertain future. In most of the lands the original lessees have died and third or fourth generations of families are conducting agriculture.

The government has recognized as per Karnataka forest act similar land in Kodagu which was C state before independence,” he stated.

MP Nalin requested the minister to prevent problems to farmers regarding the land occupied by them for generations. The minister assured that he will take a decision after holding discussions with concerned officials.