Quiet transfer of commons - Pastoralism, shrinking pastures and the new GR in Gujarat
On 17 May 2005, the Government of Gujarat issued a resolution (GR) to bring wastelands under cultivation inviting big corporate houses and rich farmers – a beginning of corporate farming in a big way in the state. The GR has the provision of giving wastelands up to 2000 acres for a lease period of 20 years. To encourage larger participation, the first five years are rent-free after which a varying rent from Rs. 40 to 100 per acre shall be taken.1 While some
people see it as an opportunity to make a meaningful use of the wastelands, a fair amount of criticism has been mounting against this GR.