Karnataka's Fruit Orchard Plan: Jobs for Rural Youth, Revenue for Local Bodies

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department in Karnataka is considering a tree plantation drive that includes developing fruit orchards on government land within gram panchayat limits. The initiative aims to create employment for rural youth and generate additional revenue for local bodies.

In a written direction to the RDPR Department, Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has asked officials to prepare an action plan for developing fruit orchards on government land belonging to the Revenue Department in gram panchayat jurisdictions. The Minister suggested that the orchards be leased annually through a transparent auction process to unemployed youth from the respective villages.

Mr. Khandre said the initiative would not only improve green cover in villages but also provide livelihood opportunities for landless and unemployed youth while generating revenue for gram panchayats and the Revenue Department.

The Minister proposed planting horticultural crops such as mango, sapota, amla, coconut, hybrid jamun, and tamarind on government land under the Revenue Department. He noted that this would help prevent encroachment while creating a steady source of income for local bodies. He also stated that the trees could be removed whenever required if the land was needed for government projects.

Mr. Khandre also suggested planting tamarind, mango, and other fruit-bearing trees along both sides of State highways, major district roads, and village link roads falling within gram panchayat limits. The annual rights to harvest the produce from these trees could also be auctioned to local residents, he said.

The Minister has directed the department's Secretary to prepare an action plan for implementing the proposal in consultation with senior officials of the Revenue and Forest Departments. He suggested that the initiative be taken up in collaboration with relevant agencies.