The NITI Aayog will work on preparing a model land leasing Act that would help improve agricultural productivity and also unlock the current value of the land.

An expert committee in the NITI Aayog is expected to submit its report by next month. “It may be encouraging to note that a consensus emerged on the issue,” said an official release on Wednesday after a regional consultation by NITI Task Force on agricultural development.

The meeting, which was chaired by Arvind Panagariya, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, said this was the third and last such exercise. It was attended by officials from 19 northern, eastern and north-eastern States.

All States have supported the need for improving agriculture productivity and favoured for higher efficiency in fertiliser use, improve soil health and addressing fertiliser subsidy. They also supported initiatives for addressing problems such as declining water tables and chronic water stress in some parts of the country.

Further, they pitched for more investment in agriculture research as well as more reforms in agricultural marketing and encouraging farmers’ producer organisations.

“The special focus on eastern and north-eastern States for bringing green revolution and agricultural diversification to horticulture and livestock in original green revolution was also appreciated,” said the release.

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