Comprehensive Guide to Constructing Agricultural Buildings

In Maharashtra, the construction of agricultural buildings is governed by specific provisions under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, particularly sections 2 and 41. These sections outline permissible uses of agricultural land for erecting structures that are essential for farming operations and related activities.

Section 2(9) of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code defines a farm building as any structure on agricultural land intended for:

Section 41 specifies the conditions under which agricultural land can be utilized for constructing farm buildings. Landholders are entitled to erect structures or make improvements for better cultivation or more convenient usage of the land. This includes constructing wells, tanks, and farm buildings.

From 1986 onwards, significant regulations were introduced to manage the construction of farm buildings within specified municipal and regional boundaries. These include areas within the limits of major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, and extend to various municipal councils categorized as 'A', 'B', and 'C' class.

Landholders planning to erect farm buildings must apply for permission from the Collector by submitting a detailed application along with necessary documents and plans. This application should include:

The Collector, upon reviewing the application, may grant permission based on the size of the agricultural holding and the intended use of the building. The plinth area for buildings varies with the size of the land:

The construction must not exceed a height of 5 meters and can only include ground-level floors unless specified otherwise. Only one farm building is permitted for each specified use, and no building can extend beyond the prescribed plinth area without special approval.

Applications for construction must comply with various local and regional regulations, including those pertaining to proximity to highways, railways, and other infrastructural elements. The approval process is designed to ensure that all constructions are suitable for agricultural purposes and do not disrupt urban planning regulations.

Farm buildings can serve multiple purposes:

Following the prescribed procedures ensures compliance with state regulations, preventing potential legal issues and contributing to organized rural development. This guidance is crucial for maintaining the balance between agricultural needs and regional development policies, ensuring that all constructions on agricultural land contribute positively to the broader agricultural and environmental framework of Maharashtra.