Bangalore: Kumki land to be allotted to farmers

Bangalore, 20 Jan 2013 (DHNS): The State Cabinet on Saturday in-principle decided to allot Kumki land (used for growing grass and cattle grazing) in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to farmers.

 

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law Minister Suresh Kumar said it was a long-standing demand of farmers that Kumki land adjacent to their agricultural land be allotted to them.

 

He pointed out that Kumki land belong to the revenue department and farmers are allowed to grow grass and stock wood. However, it is not allowed for cultivation. At one point, Kumki land was identified as forest land.

 

“We sought an advice from the Advocate General, who has now specifically pointed out that Kumki land is not forest land and it can be allotted to farmers after amending the relevant rules,” Kumar said.

 

He said the Advocate General had also opined that the State government can act on its own in this regard and there was no need to get the clearance of the Centre.