How Punjab’s NRIs can protect their farmlands from being seized without having to sell them

NRI Sabha Punjab’s proposal to protect farmlands promises to safeguard land ownership while boosting environmental conservation efforts through afforestation.

ANJU AGNIHOTRI CHABA
JALANDHAR JANUARY 27

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) from Punjab often encounter challenges with their farmland being illegally taken by relatives or acquaintances, particularly when these lands are leased out. Thousands of such cases have come to light over the past several years during NRI meetings. This situation frequently results in lengthy legal battles to reclaim their properties. As a result of these fears, many NRIs who have managed to reclaim their lands after prolonged struggles choose to sell them with heavy hearts, even though they wish to maintain their connection to Punjab.

To address this issue, NRI Sabha Punjab has proposed a solution aimed at protecting NRI-owned lands while also contributing to Punjab’s environmental and ecological restoration. The proposal titled ‘Gold for NRIs, Green for Punjab’ offers a dual advantage: safeguarding land ownership and environmental conservation. Here is an explainer of how this proposal will save NRIs’ land and Punjab’s environment

What is the proposal, and how does it work?

The Sabha has suggested that NRIs, who reportedly own more than 25 per cent (over 25 lakh acres) of farmland in Punjab, should utilise their land for tree plantation projects instead of selling or leasing it out. This approach would provide multiple benefits, including financial returns and significant savings in groundwater, which is crucial for Punjab at this time.
Satnam Singh Chana, senior vice president of NRI Sabha Punjab, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “NRIs want to stay connected to their motherland, and this proposal allows them to do so without the fear of their lands being grabbed by anyone.”

By planting tree saplings of various types—ranging from fast-growing species to long-maturing timber trees—NRIs can not only secure their properties but also contribute to Punjab’s ecological well-being. This plan offers a sustainable way for NRIs to remain tied to their roots while ensuring their lands are protected and productive.

Why is this proposal significant for Punjab?

Punjab faces alarming environmental challenges, including critically low forest cover, which is less than one-seventh of the national average. The state’s forest cover stands at just 3.65 per cent of its total geographical area, far below the national average of 21.76 per cent. However, when reserved forests, protected forests, and unclassified forests—along with agroforestry—are considered, the figure rises to 6.12 per cent.

“Between 2019 and 2021, Punjab lost 2 sq km of forest cover. Encouraging afforestation on NRI-owned lands can address these issues significantly. Even if 10 per cent of NRIs start growing trees on their lands, it can make a transformative difference,” said Satnam Singh.

In addition to deforestation, groundwater depletion is severe, with water levels dropping by approximately one meter annually, primarily due to extensive paddy cultivation. In2024-25, over 32 lakh hectares of Punjab’s agricultural land was under rice cultivation.

Agroforestry offers a sustainable alternative, saving over 90 per cent of the water consumed by paddy while contributing to groundwater recharge, reducing soil erosion, and sequestering carbon. Trees also play a vital role in improving air quality and mitigating climate change.

“Diversification from water-intensive crops to forestry is essential for sustainability. Planting trees not only supports environmental conservation but also aligns with the teachings of Guru Sahibans (Sikh masters), who emphasised the importance of preserving nature,” Satnam Singh added. This proposal combines economic incentives for NRIs with environmental preservation, offering a sustainable pathway to address Punjab’s ecological crisis, he added.

Punjab’s agricultural reliance on groundwater is staggering because the state is growing over 12 million tonnes of rice: it takes 5,000 litres of water to produce just one kilogram of rice, which, at the market rate of Rs 20 per litre, equates to a water cost of Rs 82,360 per kilogram of rice. The state has over 15 lakh official tubewells, with an estimated 3 million groundwater extraction units (including solar-powered unregistered tubewells and submersible pumps) irrigating 72 per cent of Punjab’s agricultural land using groundwater.

Experts emphasise that diversification alone cannot revive groundwater levels; only large-scale afforestation can. Despite the government spending Rs 274 crores on diversification efforts between 2014 and 2019, the area under rice cultivation in Punjab increased by 7.18 per cent during this period. Trees, unlike crops, can significantly replenish groundwater, reduce soil erosion, and improve air quality, making agroforestry a vital solution for Punjab’s ecological crisis.

How does afforestation benefit NRIs?

The primary benefit for NRIs is economic gain. Timber trees such as teak can yield substantial returns. For instance, a teak plantation on one acre of land could generate up to R 1.3 crore in 7-10 years, with input costs constituting just 6 per cent of the income. Additionally, NRIs can benefit from the state’s carbon credit policy. With the demand for timber in industries like furniture and construction expected to grow at an annual rate of 10.9 per cent between 2023 and 2028, forestry can transform idle lands into profitable assets akin to fixed deposits yielding long-term returns.

Secondly, land protection is a significant advantage. Agroforestry requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional crops. Once the trees are planted, they can be harvested after 5-10 years, depending on the species, and replanted on the same land. Thiseliminates the need to lease the land, ensuring its safety from encroachment.

What types of trees are suitable for plantation on NRI lands?

Timber trees such as teak, eucalyptus, and sheesham (Indian rosewood) are highly profitable options. Native trees refer to indigenous species that promote biodiversity and ecological balance.

“With nearly 10 million NRIs from Punjab living in various countries and a large number of them own lands in their homeland, it becomes their moral responsibility to preserve Punjab’s natural resources for future generations. Agroforestry presents an economically and environmentally sustainable plan, developed after thorough research, and many NRIs are already showing interest in this proposal,” said NRI Sabha president Parvinder Kaur.
“By adopting such measures, NRIs can safeguard their lands, increase Punjab’s forest cover, align with national environmental goals, revive ground and water, earn stable incomes, stronger connection with their roots, and contribute significantly to Punjab’s environmental and economic welfare,” added Parvinder Kaur.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-nri-farmlands-protection-sell-out-seize-lease-plantation-9801573/

Article by
Anju Agnihotri Chaba
Asst. Editor Indian Express