What is the process to convert agricultural land?

What the Law Says

The conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes is regulated by state-level land revenue acts. No central law governs this uniformly; instead, each state prescribes its own procedure, conditions, and penalties.

In most states, agricultural land cannot be used for non-agricultural purposes — such as residential, commercial, or industrial use — without formal conversion approval. This is to protect food security and prevent haphazard urbanisation.

The applicant must submit an application to the Revenue Department (often the Tahsildar or Collector), along with documents like title deed, survey map, land use certificate, and NOC from local planning authority (if applicable).

Approval is discretionary and may be denied if the land is fertile, irrigated, or falls under protected categories (e.g., green belt, eco-sensitive zone). Some states also require payment of a 'conversion fee' or 'betterment levy'.