Bengaluru, July 25: The Karnataka Government is exploring a new initiative to create employment opportunities for rural youth while increasing green cover across villages. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed officials to prepare a plan for developing fruit orchards on government land within Gram Panchayat limits.
Under the proposal, orchards developed on government-owned land would be leased annually through a transparent auction process, with priority given to youth from the same village. The initiative aims to provide livelihood opportunities for unemployed and landless rural residents while also generating revenue for Gram Panchayats and the Revenue Department.
In a written direction to the department's secretary, the minister said each village could develop fruit orchards with crops such as mango, sapota, coconut, tamarind, hybrid jamun and Indian gooseberry (amla). Besides creating income, the plantations would help increase green cover and discourage encroachment on government land.
The proposal also highlights that horticulture plantations can be removed in the future if the land is required for government development projects, ensuring flexibility in land use.
Khandre has further suggested planting fruit-bearing trees such as mango and tamarind along state highways, district roads and village roads passing through Gram Panchayat limits. The annual auction of harvesting rights to local residents could provide an additional source of income for Panchayats and support rural infrastructure development.
To take the proposal forward, the minister has instructed the Rural Development Department to prepare a detailed action plan in consultation with senior officials from the Revenue and Forest Departments, with support from VBG Ram Ji, for developing orchards on suitable government lands across Gram Panchayats.
If implemented, the initiative is expected to combine employment generation, environmental conservation and additional revenue for local bodies, while making productive use of government land in rural Karnataka.
Keywords
Karnataka Fruit Gardens, Rural Youth Employment, Eshwar Khandre, Gram Panchayat, Government Land, Horticulture Development, Citizen News Puttur, Village Fruit Gardens, fruit orchards