Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Gujarat Sets Uniform 0.25-Acre Minimum for Agricultural Land
Gujarat has changed the rules for dividing farmland.
A farmland unit called a survey number will now be at least 10 gunthas, or about one-quarter of an acre.
This same minimum size will apply across rural Gujarat.
Urban areas are not covered by the new rule.
The government says the change matches today’s population, farming, and development needs.
It also wants to settle many old land-division cases without penalties.
Officials say smaller separate plots may help family members own land and get loans independently.
Experts caution that dividing farmland too much can make farming less productive and sustainable.
Gujarat has standardised agricultural survey numbers at 10 gunthas, or about 0.25 acre, across the state.
The change amends the Gujarat Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1947.
The rule applies only to rural areas; urban areas have been exempted because of development and land-price pressures.
Transfers and partitions made between January 29, 1948, and March 31, 2026, may be regularised without penalties if they meet the new standard.
Officials say smaller registered parcels could help heirs secure independent ownership, loans, and farming decisions, while experts warn excessive fragmentation can reduce productivity.
- Who
- The Gujarat government, its Revenue Department, farmers, landholders, and heirs to agricultural land.
- What
- Gujarat amended its land-fragmentation law to make 10 gunthas, or about 0.25 acre, the standard minimum agricultural land unit across the state.
- When
- The ordinance took effect on July 14, 2026; the government was expected to introduce a replacement Bill during the three-day Monsoon Session beginning September 9.
- Where
- Rural areas of Gujarat; urban areas are exempt from the new minimum-unit rule.
- Why
- The government cited changing socio-economic conditions, urbanisation, population growth, evolving agricultural practices, and the need to balance farming interests with development.
Government and smaller-holder rationale
Fragmentation and productivity concerns
Effect of smaller plots
Government and smaller-holder rationale
Government officials say modern technology and irrigation can support effective farming on smaller parcels, while separate survey numbers could give heirs independent ownership and allow them to sell or obtain loans without relying on co-owners.
Fragmentation and productivity concerns
Experts say dividing agricultural land beyond the standard area can reduce productivity and long-term sustainability.
Balancing development and agriculture
Government and smaller-holder rationale
The government says the amendment responds to urban expansion, changing land use, population growth, and the need to resolve older transactions that obstruct non-agricultural development.
Fragmentation and productivity concerns
The fragmentation law was originally intended to prevent uneconomic divisions and preserve agricultural efficiency, so reducing the minimum unit could create concerns about further subdivision.
- New standard unit
- 10 gunthas, or 1,012 square metres, approximately 0.25 acre
- Previous range
- The standard area varied from 20 gunthas, or about half an acre, to 3 acres depending on location and land type.
- Legal basis
- The Gujarat Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1947
- Coverage
- The new rule applies to rural areas; urban areas have been exempted.
- Regularisation period
- Transfers or partitions made from January 29, 1948, through March 31, 2026, may be regularised without penalties or premiums if they meet the new standard.
- Agricultural holdings
- Gujarat had 99.7 lakh hectares under operational agriculture and 53.2 lakh landholders in the 2015-16 agriculture census.
- Urbanisation target
- Gujarat aims to become 75% urban by 2047, according to targets announced in the 2024-25 state budget.