Kerala Budget offers hope to solve land-related problems of Idukki farmers

Cardamom plantation in Idukki. | Photo credit: Sandeep Vellaram

The Kerala government’s revised budget brings hope to the farming community of Idukki by addressing key land-related issues and proposing solutions to land disputes.

The government plans to take steps to persuade the High Court and the Kerala High Court to vacate the stay orders on the Title Deed Distribution Rule 1964 and the Cardamom Hills Reserve (CHR) matter, in line with the budget provisions.

It aims to resolve these court cases to protect the interests of farmers and expedite the distribution of title deeds. The budget further noted that the government will legally review the ordinance banning construction activities on land with Cardamom title deeds. The proposal also stated that the government will unconditionally regulate the existing structures on the title deed lands.

The district has earlier witnessed numerous protests over these land disputes. As a result, farming groups have welcomed budget proposals aimed at finding a permanent solution.

Farmer leaders pointed out that Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan had earlier promised that the UDF government, if voted to power, would permanently resolve Idukki’s land problems.

Idukki Land Freedom Movement (ILFM) president Rasak Chooravelil said the agrarian and farming communities warmly welcome the budget provisions. “The announcements made by the Chief Minister are historic and the farming community has been eagerly waiting for this for years. Land-related restrictions and ownership issues have been a big problem for people. Finding a permanent solution will encourage more people to confidently move to the district and invest in various industries, including tourism, which will change the face of Idukki,” said Mr. Chooravelil.

Cardamom Growers Federation Chairman Stany Pothen noted that the government has acceded to all their demands. “The budget proposal regarding government intervention to resolve the CHR case is a historic step. Allowing construction on cardamom lands has been a long-standing demand of the growing community,” Mr. Pothen said.

According to farmers’ groups, more than 50,000 families in the district are still waiting to receive their title deeds, a process currently blocked by various legal hurdles. “Abolition of ownership for all families remains a long-standing demand of the people of Idukki,” added Mr. Chooravelil.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 19:16 IST