There are many measures to reform land ownership. These measures have been adopted keeping in mind the needs of the individuals. The different measures to reform land ownership are listed below:
1. Land requisition
2. Re distribution of finances
3. Land Distribution
4. Land individualizing
5. Land Collectivization
6. Tenancy reforms
I) Land requisition:
a) Ceiling:
A limit is set with regard to the ownership of land. In the event when the limit is crossed, it is divested. In this case, the ceiling which is set, decides how much land can be owned by any individual. The ceiling acts as a control. If the ceiling set is quite high, then most of the land will be owned by the solvent individuals. Under these circumstances, not enough land will be left for redistribution to the small and marginal farmers.
b) Land re distribution:
Under this system, the land, which is divested from others is again distributed to the people who are needy. In fact, there are two ways, the state makes use of the divested land. One is distributing the land to the ones who do not have land. The other is creation of farms, which are big enough to support a family and provide livelihood to the occupants of the new land.
II) Redistribution of finances:
Individuals are compensated for in case of divested land. The compensation amount differs from situation to situation. The amount is determined by the degree of efficiency exercised by the state, pertaining to meeting its objectives. In other words, it can also be said that compensation depends on how effectively the state has carried out its tasks. It depends on how efficiently the aims of the state have been met. If the state has to shell out compensation to the landowners, the amount it disburses is less after a revolutionary movement. The compensation amount is usually higher in case the amount has to be paid before a revolutionary movement. There were instances, when the compensation amount was decreased by knowingly escalating the rate of inflation.
III) Land individualizing:
Land individualizing it is believed, will to a great extent serve as one of the measures to reform land ownership. It is apprehended that if on one hand, it can nullify some problems, on the other there are chances that it will create new problems. It is reckoned that this measure may deprive the “not so privileged”. It will also change the course of equal rights being enjoyed by all and sundry. Moreover, the process of land individualizing, requires efficient administration. The process is also very costly. Adding to this is the uncertainty that individualization may not prove to be fully beneficial. This measure has been adopted by only few nations owing to its lacunae.
IV) Land Collectivization:
As per doctrines of Karl Marx and Lenin, individuals should not own land privately. The reason being, that this will lead to misuse of land and hence, the practice of owning land ought to be eradicated. As of now, this has been applied only in the USSR. Under this system, rights of the land are given to particular groups. The structure of the farm is changed in such a manner, so that it supports bigger farming units. Small plots of land are spared for the workers to use.
V) Tenancy reforms:
One of the measures to reform land ownership is bringing about improvement in the living conditions of the tenants. Changes in ownership does not impact the small farmers.