Finding land is the first step for any community farm. You don’t need a perfect plot-what matters most is land that is available, usable for farming, and that your group can care for together. Even simple land can become a great farm if you plan and work on it over time.

01. What Kinds of Land Can You Use? 

You can use:

• Commons: Village-owned land allocated by the Panchayat
• Leased land: Land rented from a private owner (can be formal or informal)
• Pooled land: Small plots contributed by collective members or donated by elders

02. What to Look for When Choosing Land? 

Once you’ve identified possible sites, use these pointers to decide if the land is truly suitable:

• Close to the village – 10–15 mins walking or auto
• Free of disputes – avoid land under litigation or tension
• Protected area checks – If the land is near a forest, grassland, or protected zone, you may need clearance from the Forest Department. Your Panchayat can help guide you on this.
• Water access – even a pond, borewell nearby, or rain-fed options
• Soil – not overly compacted or stony; ideally, no recent pesticide use
• Shade – at least one tree for the compost area or rest

Security – easy to fence up either with material, naturally protected, or easily visible from the road

💡Tip

Even if the land has no water source yet, you can still begin. Apply through MGNREGA to build a water pit or bund. The Panchayat or MGNREGA field assistant can help with this process

Land Readiness Check-List: 

• Is the land walkable and not too far?
• Do we have permission to use the land? (verbal or written)?
• Can compost materials (cow dung, dry leaves) be brought here easily?
• Is there a nearby water source or is rainfall collection possible?
• Can we fit multi-cropping rows, compost, and nursery?
• Does sunlight fall enough for crops to grow and shade for you to rest?
• Are all group members in agreement on this site?