THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An agreement has been reached at the government level to allow concession to small and marginal farmers who have up to 50 cents on amendment of law related to government acquisition of private forests. Farmers who prove that they own up to 50 cents of private forest land will be entitled to land ownership.

The state forest department, which initially took the stand that no concession should be given in this regard, later softened its stand by stating that farmers who have up to 25 cents can get a concession. Forest Minister AK Saseendran reiterated this stand in the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. Revenue Minister K Rajan said that if the concession is not given to farmers who have up to 50 cents, many ordinary people will suffer. It is reported that the Forest Minister also gave in after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Law Minister P Rajeev agreed to this.