TENANCY FARMING AND POLICY PRAXIS: A STUDY OF EMERGING POLICY AND IMPLICATIONS IN ODISHA

Abstract

Tenancy farming and sharecropping are essential, but frequently overlooked elements of Indian agriculture. In Odisha, a significant percentage of agriculture is conducted by landless and marginal farmers who lease or sharecrop land. Despite their important role in agricultural production, these farmers are often marginalised from institutional loans, crop insurance, procurement systems, and welfare programs due to the lack of formal title to their land. The paper examines the policy framework of agricultural tenancy in Odisha with practical implications of reforms. The study employs a mixed-method approach, including an examination of policy texts, publicly accessible data, workshop reports with field investigations in a village context. The research seeks to compare the viewpoints of sharecroppers and tenant farmers with the evolving policy framework to point out both the advancements made and the ongoing deficiencies in ensuring inclusive effective tenancy reforms. This article explores the reforms introduced by the 2016 Model Land Leasing Act, combining secondary literature, policy papers, and stakeholder inputs, specifically within the context of Odisha. It assesses critical state initiative such as KALIA, BALARAM, and paddy procurement reforms, to evaluate their efficacy in addressing the difficulties faced by tenant farmers. Results from Field Investigation and Stakeholder Consultations in Ratanpur, Niali Block, Cuttack District indicates that while Odisha has made notable progress in recognising tenancy through innovative credit and welfare mechanisms, persistent structural barriers continue to hinder inclusion. Some factors are absence of formal tenancy records and limited awareness of schemes. Keywords: Tenant farmers, Sharecroppers, Agricultural tenancy, Land leasing reforms, Informal leasing, Concealed tenancy, Inclusive agrarian policy, Odisha.