Agriculture Land Purchase Rules in Maharashtra: Documentation, Eligibility, Laws, and Regulations

Owning farmland in Maharashtra is a dream, but the fertile soil and emerging investment scope make the proposition very alluring. Navigating the legal landscape, however, requires careful attention. The agriculture land purchase rules in Maharashtra in 2025 spell out who can buy what and with what restrictions, so that your investment is secure and hassle-free. Understand these regulations, and go ahead with turning your dream of owning farmland into reality. Continue reading to learn how to make informed decisions, avoid legal pitfalls, and maximise the benefits accruing from the purchase of agricultural land in this thriving state.

Who can Purchase Agricultural Land in Maharashtra?

The Maharashtra agricultural land purchase rules clearly only allow farmers or people with a farming history to buy agricultural land. To verify this, you will be required to produce proof of your ID and a farmer’s certificate. Members of non-farming families are not permitted to purchase agricultural land in Maharashtra. If even one of your parents or grandparents is a farmer, you are deemed a farmer. In addition, a maximum of 54 acres of agricultural land can be purchased. 

How to Register Agricultural Land in Maharashtra?

Registering agricultural land is a crucial step to ensure that the ownership is successfully transferred to your name. Thus, here are the steps to follow to get a successful land registration done in Maharashtra: 

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• Step 1:  Determine the final sale price. 
• Step 2: Submit the relevant documents and pay the stamp duty at the local municipal department. 
• Step 3: Go to the sub-registrar’s office, where both the buyer and the seller must be present. 
• Step 4: The registration process will be completed at the sub-registrar’s office after the documents are verified. 

What is the Maharashtra Land Reforms Act?

The Maharashtra Land Reforms Act, also known as the Maharashtra Agricultural Lands (Ceiling and Holdings) Act, was first introduced in 1961. Under this Act, a cap is placed on the agricultural land an individual or a family can hold.

This act aimed to distribute land more equitably and even provide land to landless workers in the sector. Several rules were laid down below this, including a restriction on the purchase of land. Under this act, only farmers and their families can hold, buy, and sell agricultural land. Later revisions to this act were made under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, and the Maharashtra Land Revenue Amendment Act, 1974.

How to Buy Agricultural Land in Maharashtra?

Purchasing agricultural land in Maharashtra is a long process, and you must get your land measured, documents verified, and stamp duty paid. Here are the steps to help you navigate through the purchase efficiently: 

• Step 1: First, a surveyor will measure the total area of the land and match it with the dimensions mentioned in the certificate. 
• Step 2: You will then have to produce relevant documents, including ID proofs, sale deeds, bills and agreement of sale. 
• Step 3: After determining the sale price, you would need to pay the stamp duty and the registration fees. 
• Step 4: Then, your documents will be transferred to the sub-registrar’s office, where the registration and the transfer of ownership will be done. 

What are the Documents Required To Buy Agricultural Land in Maharashtra?

According to the rules for buying agricultural land in Maharashtra, a lot of paperwork is required to ensure a safe and authenticated transfer of land ownership. Here are the most important documents you will need: 

• Title deed
• Sales agreement 
• Stamp duty 
• Registration certificate 
• Tax receipts and bills 
• Encumbrance certificate 
• Land measurement certificate 
• Personal ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID)

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Agriculture Land Purchase in Maharashtra?

As per the farmland purchase rules in Maharashtra, you are required to be an Indian and an adult to purchase land there. In addition, if one of your parents or grandparents worked in the agriculture sector, you would be considered a farmer. Hence, eligible to buy land in Maharashtra. Otherwise, agricultural lands are not available for sale to non-farmers.

Land Conversion: Converting Agricultural Land for Non-Agricultural Purposes

Land conversion is only allowed in the case of privately owned lands that are not leased. Wetlands are not allowed to be converted, while dry land areas can be transferred under the banner of non-agricultural regions. Here are the steps to convert your land from an agricultural area to a non-agricultural field:

• Step 1: Submit an application to the commissioner of the land revenue department. 
• Step 2: Explain the reason for the change of land use. 
• Step 3: Attach relevant documents such as a copy of identity proof, original sale deed, receipts of tax paid, a copy of survey map and the mutation letter. 
• Step 4: Pay the necessary fees and wait for approval from the commissioner. 

Key Legal Requirements for Buying Agricultural Land in Maharashtra

The legal requirements under the agriculture land purchase rules in Maharashtra should not be neglected. Like each state has its legal requirements, Maharashtra, too, has certain norms that are to be followed: 

• Title Deed: The title deed should clearly and accurately mention the seller’s name. The verification of the deed is essential before proceeding to buy the land. 
• Land Measurement Certificate: The surveyor often physically verifies the dimensions of the land and checks if they match the numbers mentioned in the documents. If found incongruent, the certificate is not granted. 
• No Outstanding Bills: It is recommended that the buyer ensure that there are no outstanding bills or legal notices regarding the property. The utility bills must also be cleared before a purchase. 
• Eligibility: In Maharashtra, the buyer must have an agricultural background and Indian nationality. The agricultural land cannot be sold to a non-farming buyer.

Restrictions and Exceptions on Agricultural Land Purchase in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, the rules for purchasing agricultural land in Maharashtra state various guidelines. The buyers have to operate in this framework to get the land transferred successfully to their name. Here are some of the most common restrictions you should be aware of: 

• Type of Land: In Maharashtra, the wetland areas are protected by the government and are not up for sale. Meanwhile, the dryland areas can be used by agriculturists for farming or non-farming activities. They can also choose to sell it. 
• Family Origin: The buyer must hold a farmer’s certificate since the government of Maharashtra does not permit non-farmers to buy agricultural lands in the state. 
• Sale of Agricultural Land: Under Section 63 of the Maharashtra Tenancy and Agricultural Land Act, 1948, the exchange, lease, sale or mortgage of agricultural land to a non-farmer with more than two-thirds of the ceiling area is not allowed. 
• Government-Owned Land: Any portion of the land that the government holds is not allowed for sale to either agriculturists or non-agriculturists. 

Role of the Agricultural Income Tax in Land Purchase in Maharashtra

Agricultural income is mostly free of taxes in the state. This helps the buyers put the land to greater agricultural use. Moreover, here are other such benefits of: 

• Exemption from Tax: In Maharashtra, almost all income gained from agricultural activities is free from income tax. This is done to ensure the sustenance of farmers in the region.
• Capital Gains Tax: Rural agricultural land is not considered a capital asset, so profits from its sale are exempt from capital gains tax. 
• Sale of Agricultural Land: Any land classified as urban agricultural land is sold, and the proceeds are reinvested in acquiring new agricultural land within 2 years; the seller will be eligible for tax benefits. 
• Income from Rent: If the rental income is derived from land under agricultural use or a nearby building, it is exempt from taxes.

Government Schemes and Subsidies for Agricultural Land Buyers

The government of Maharashtra and the Union government have devised several schemes to help the struggling farmers. Listed below are some of the best-performing schemes: 

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme: This is an initiative to provide farmers with a credit facility to meet their farming needs. The interest rates are kept low, and they cover crops, livestock and other agro-operations. 
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi: As per this scheme, the government provides Rs. 6000 per year to support small and marginal farmers. To be eligible, farmers must own less than 2 hectares of cultivable land. 
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana:  This government scheme provides insurance coverage and a financial security net to farmers in case crop damage or failure occurs. The premium rates for kharif, rabi and horticultural crops are kept low, too. 
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Micro-irrigation component): This scheme was brought about to improve the water usage efficiency and implement better irrigation techniques.

Recent News and Updates

Here’s the latest on Maharashtra’s 2025 agricultural land rules, including new regulations, land changes, and what the government is doing:

• The state government has relaxed the fragmentation law and will legalise subdivided land parcels created before January 1, 2025, without any penalty. [1]
• Agricultural land in some areas can now be converted for industrial use if a development plan approved by the planning authority exists. [2]
• In a bid to encourage formal registration and reduce disputes, the state cabinet has approved waiving registration fees for partitioning agricultural land under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. [3]
• The Maharashtra Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1947, has been amended so its restrictions no longer apply to non-agricultural land in urban and regional planned zones. [4]
• It is expected that almost 4.9 million land-holding families will gain from regularising old transactions under this amended fragmentation law, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. [5]

Navigating Agricultural Land Purchase in Maharashtra with NoBroker

Land purchase is often a big decision in any individual’s life. Whether you want it for agricultural purposes or want to convert it into a non-agricultural region, land is an important asset. Maharashtra, however, only allows farmers and members of agriculturist families to purchase lands, which is why it is important to keep track of the agriculture land purchase rules in Maharashtra. 

If you are still puzzled about the procedure and regulations for buying land, worry no more. Go to NoBroker to find the most relevant information regarding your query and get your land transferred to your name!

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