Who can buy agricultural land in Karnataka?
(Only registered farmers or those with agricultural income can purchase; non-farmers need special permission)
Those Who CAN Buy (Without Special Permission).
Registered Farmers
Persons with Agricultural Income
Anyone who earns income from farming and has declared it in their Income Tax Returns (ITR) under Section 10(1)
Valid even if you have other income sources — as long as agricultural income is declared
Those Who NEED Special Permission
Non-Farmers / Salaried Individuals
People who already own agricultural land recorded in the RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy & Crops / Pahani)
Must be within land ceiling limits set by the state
Persons with Agricultural Income
Anyone who earns income from farming and has declared it in their Income Tax Returns (ITR) under Section 10(1)
Valid even if you have other income sources — as long as agricultural income is declared
Those Who NEED Special Permission
Non-Farmers / Salaried Individuals
Salaried professionals, business owners, or investors without agricultural income CANNOT buy directly.
Must apply to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district
Must show intended agricultural purpose
Processing time: 3 to 12 months
What the 2020 Amendment Changed
Removed the ₹25 lakh annual income cap that blocked high earners
Did NOT remove the requirement to be a farmer or have agricultural income
Non-farmers still need DC permission
Those Who CANNOT Buy
NRIs / OCI / Foreigners
Category | Can Buy? |
|---|---|
NRI (Indian Passport) | Conditional — FEMA rules + farmer criteria must be met |
OCI Cardholder | Generally No |
Foreign National | No — prohibited under FEMA |
Companies & Trusts
Not allowed unless specifically approved as an agri-business entity
Requires separate state government clearance