In a significant boost to Maharashtra’s agriculture sector, the state government today issued comprehensive guidelines for the implementation of the Maharashtra Agricultural Land Leasing Act, 2017 and the accompanying Rules, 2024. The long-awaited move aims to formalise land leasing, protect landowners’ rights, and open up farmland access to landless, small, and marginal farmers who have long been forced into insecure informal arrangements.
The Government Resolution (No. Jamin-2023/Pr.Kr.241/Jamin-01, dated 8 May 2026) makes registered lease agreements mandatory under the Registration Act, 1908. Oral or unregistered contracts will no longer be recognised. Every lease must clearly specify the land details, lease period, rent (cash, kind, or share of produce), and renewal terms. Crucially, the guidelines emphasise that tenants acquire no permanent rights — land automatically reverts to the owner at the end of the lease term.
Key highlights of the new framework:
- Tenant-friendly benefits: Registered lessees will now be eligible for crop loans, crop insurance, government subsidies, and disaster relief — facilities previously out of reach for most informal tenants.
- Strong owner safeguards: Owners can resume land without legal hurdles after the lease ends. Sub-leasing is strictly prohibited.
- Special protection for tribal land: Leases involving Scheduled Tribe land require prior Collector permission and can only be given to ST individuals.
- Efficient administration: Tahsildars must maintain a dedicated Lease Agreement Register. Disputes must be resolved within three months.
- Transparency and ease: The process is designed to encourage formal leasing while eliminating the fear that has kept many owners from renting out their land.
The government stated that existing tenancy laws had created insecurity among landowners and limited opportunities for the landless. The new system seeks to modernise agricultural tenancy, improve productivity, and accelerate rural growth.
A senior revenue official said, “This reform balances the interests of both parties — giving landowners complete security while empowering tenant farmers with formal recognition and institutional support.”
Farmers’ groups have welcomed the move, calling it a “long-overdue reform” that could transform the lives of lakhs of landless and small cultivators across the state.
