Guizhou launches campaign to address illegal occupation of farmland

The Guizhou Department of Natural Resources, together with provincial authorities responsible for agriculture, education, industry, housing and urban-rural development, transportation, and other sectors, has jointly issued a work plan to address illegal occupation of cultivated land across the province.

The plan seeks to resolve historical land-use issues, address problems identified through inspections and audits, and rectify newly discovered violations found since 2025. Authorities said the initiative is intended to remove long-standing obstacles and foster more sustainable, orderly development.

The policy was introduced following a provincial meeting on farmland protection and land-use compliance. Officials emphasized the need to firmly curb new cases of illegal occupation of cultivated land, while steadily resolving existing issues and carrying out the rectification measures identified through inspections and audits.

Under the plan, five categories of corrective measures have been established, including the completion of land-use approval procedures, temporary land-use permits, filing procedures for agricultural facilities, land restoration following demolition, and the handling of special facilities.

The plan also addresses historical land-use issues related to mining activities. Mining rights holders that previously obtained temporary land-use approvals or fulfilled restoration-related obligations under earlier regulations may apply to complete relevant procedures in accordance with current laws and policies. Authorities said legitimate business entities acting without fault will have their lawful rights protected in accordance with the law.