Karnataka plans fruit orchards on government land to create jobs in rural areas, income for local bodies
The minister suggested that horticultural crops like mango, sapota, amla, coconut, hybrid jamun and tamarind should be planted on government land under the revenue department. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) in Karnataka is exploring tree plantation, which involves developing orchards on government land within gram panchayat limits to create jobs for rural youth and generate additional income for local bodies.
In a written instruction to the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, RDPR Minister Eshwar B. Khandre asked the officials to prepare an action plan to develop orchards on government land belonging to the revenue department in gram panchayat jurisdictions.
Mr. Khandre suggested that the sets be leased annually through a transparent auction process to the unemployed youth of the respective villages.
He said the initiative would not only improve green cover in villages but also provide livelihood opportunities to landless and unemployed youth while generating revenue for gram panchayats and the revenue department.
Use of government land
The minister suggested that horticultural crops like mango, sapota, amla, coconut, hybrid jamun and tamarind should be planted on government land under the revenue department. It would also help prevent encroachment while creating a steady source of revenue for local authorities, he said.
He noted that the trees could be removed whenever needed if the land was needed for government projects.
Trees along the roads
Mr. Khandre also proposed to plant tamarind, mango and other fruit trees along state highways, major district roads and link roads of villages falling within gram panchayat limits.
Annual rights to harvest the produce of these trees could also be auctioned to local residents, he said.
Looking for an action plan
The minister directed the secretary of the department to prepare an action plan for the implementation of the proposal after consultation with senior officials of the finance and forest departments. He proposed that the initiative be taken in collaboration with VB-G RAM G.
Published – 25 Jul 2026 13:49 IST