Land Pooling in Punjab & Haryana: A Threat to India’s Food Bowl?

 

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India’s agricultural backbone—Punjab and Haryana—has long been celebrated for feeding the nation. Together, these two states contribute over **75% of the wheat** and nearly **30% of the rice** procured for the central food distribution system. But a new policy is stirring controversy: the **Land Pooling Policy**, aimed at urban expansion, is being seen by many as a direct threat to the country’s food security.

 What Is Land Pooling?

Land pooling is a development strategy where landowners voluntarily contribute their land to a government authority. In return, they receive a portion of the developed land—typically residential and commercial plots. The idea is to enable **planned urban growth** without resorting to forced land acquisition.

In Punjab, the government plans to pool over **65,000 acres** across 21 cities, starting with Ludhiana. Landowners are promised:

- **1,000 sq. yards of residential land**

- **200 sq. yards of commercial land**

for every acre pooled.

And in haryana government plans same this to pool over 35000 acers.

It is a threat for the food capacity of India.

Why the Uproar?

Despite its seemingly progressive intent, the policy has triggered widespread opposition. Here's why:

1. Targeting Fertile Farmland

The land being pooled is **multi-cropped and irrigated**, some of the most fertile in India. Critics argue that converting this land into urban zones could severely impact food production.

2. No Impact Assessments

The policy bypasses mandatory **Social and Environmental Impact Assessments**, violating the **Land Acquisition Act of 2013**. This raises concerns about transparency and long-term sustainability.

 3. Neglecting Landless Laborers

While landowners may benefit, **landless agricultural workers**—who depend on these farms for livelihood—are left out of the compensation and rehabilitation plans.

 4. Financial Ambiguity

Developing the pooled land could cost over ₹9,000 crore. The government has yet to clarify how it plans to fund this massive transformation.

 5. Legal Roadblocks

The **Punjab & Haryana High Court has stayed the policy** until at least **September 10, 2025**, citing constitutional and procedural concerns.

🌐 Urbanization vs. Agriculture: A Delicate Balance

India is urbanizing rapidly, and cities need space to grow. But should that growth come at the cost of the very land that feeds the nation?

Punjab and Haryana are not just agricultural hubs—they are **symbols of India's Green Revolution**. Any policy that threatens their farming ecosystem must be scrutinized with care.

#LandPoolingPolicy  #SaveFarmland #PunjabPolitics  #FoodSecurityIndia #UrbanVsRural