The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for all farm roads in the state to be at least three metres wide.
The move, announced through a new government resolution on Thursday, aims to ease the transportation of agricultural produce, facilitate irrigation access, and support mechanisation in farming. State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the decision is part of broader efforts to formally recognise farm roads and ensure their proper documentation in land records. “These roads are critical for farmers, especially with the increasing use of heavy machinery and the need for reliable access to fields,” Bawankule said. Under the new guidelines issued by the Revenue and Forest Departments, farm roads—typically unpaved dirt tracks used for tractors and equipment—will now be officially recorded under the ‘other rights’ section of the 7/12 land extract. This ensures legal recognition without altering land ownership rights.
Both existing and newly established farm roads will be eligible for recording. Authorities have been directed to clear all applications related to the registration of farm roads within 90 days. These instructions have been sent to district collectors, tehsildars, sub-divisional officers, and other competent officials. The lack of standardised access routes has long been a challenge for farmers across Maharashtra, particularly during the monsoon. Narrow paths and the absence of official recognition often hampered transportation and delayed harvesting and irrigation efforts. The new resolution is expected to address these concerns and streamline rural mobility.
This policy reform follows repeated demands from farmers’ organisations and is being viewed as a step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring equitable infrastructure development in farming communities.
