Timestamp: 12th of Optia.
The Season is Summer of Era XIV Post Fractum.
In an effort to revitalize the city as well as move it to become more self-sustaining the Thane introduced a series of concurrent initiatives designed to bring the land around the city under the plow of economic well being. Starting on the 12th of Optia the land outside the city would be divided, surveyed, and parceled out to those who wished to live on the land and work it. This was designed to give those whose knowledge of agriculture and animal breeding a place to ply their trades, as well as create a bountiful harvest during the reaping season that could feed Imperia. This of course would reduce the dependence of the city on outside sources, lower the cost of food inside the city, and ensure that the hunger be wiped out, if not deflated.
The first part of this initiative was the surveying of the lands outside and around the city. Imperia fared far better then some other cities in the Sultanate (Such as Syl or Arakmat.) The temperate zone was good for farming and being so close to the sea produced a rich fertile soil that was ready for fruits, vegetables, as well as medicinal plants and the like. Not only that, but the grazing animals that would also be used for food, skins, leathers, and a myriad of other resources had ample grass and foliage to fill themselves on. After the initial official survey of the land outside Imperian a team of surveyors were sent to parcel the land or divide it up into nice farming areas. The land divided extended several miles outside the city and each were equal in size where possible. Recoreded, coded, and deeded these were now under control of the government of Imperia.
The second part of the plan called for a massive buildup of farming equipment. City aides and officials scoured the city placing orders for plows, yokes, harnesses, hay bales, fencing and many other items. What could be produced inside the city was given preference to any outside resources, thus giving the local smiths, wood workers, and laborers a chance to increase their business. After as much could be bought from the local populace did the shrewd traders and city officials turn outside the city. Much of the equipment was sought in Candaceburg, the farming center of the Empire. Once the necessary equipment was bought, stored, and secured it was inventoried. Finally being bulked together into sets that corresponded with the individual plots of lands waiting, it would be sure that each person assigned to the plot of land got their fair share of resources to start with.
This gave every farming family an equal start and eliminated any imbalance between farms save for work ethic and a natural deposition for farming. It cost the city money, but the money would be made up and at the same time the farmers would have everything they needed to settle and turn the lands.
The third stage was a massive publication in where every city message board, city official and business received flyer's and notices detailing the new opportunity. The Thane wanted to make sure that every person who was willing to commit and start a better life for themselves had the knowledge that this operation was in effect. There were many plots of land awaiting and it was hoped that all could be filled. Doing so would significantly increase the food reserves of the city. Also during the third stage new silos and warehouses were beginning construction on the inside of the city gate toward the west. These would be built for the non-perishables that could be stored in reserve.
These silos and warehouses would be used to store an excess food the city produced so that in case of an emergency (Like the meteor storm of the past) the city would have ample food to help it through. These silos and warehouses would be guarded with guards from the city watch and would be fenced and lit with torches all around. (of course, the torches would be kept away from the buildings some!). Again, the labor for this was given preference to Imperians.
The final stage of the initiative after the silos and a public knowledge of the project emerged, would be a calling for the Imperian Office of Commerce for able and willing applicants to sign up. The lands would be deeded to the people in a interview like fashion. Those with the highest knowledge of farming and animal breeding would be given priority, to make sure the government would get a return on its investment. Also of note, was a contract that stated in plain and common terms the function of this operation. The people that were awarded the land and tools for the plots of lands would work the land for free. That is, they would not have to pay the government for three seasons after being awarded the land. This is so the people can get their farms to par before being indebted. After the three season start, the people who were awarded the land would have to pay the government for the land they were working to own. The payment would be by season and would consist of half in currency and half in goods. (Be it vegetables, medicinal plants, fruits, animals, or byproducts of animals.)
This way the government received steady income as well as practice items for its populace. The contract also stated that the person who lived on the parceled land would have to maintain a government set quota each season or face strict penalties, and they would have to constantly live on said piece of land. If this contract was agreeable to the people who were being interviewed, and the interviewer met the standards of the Imperian Office of Commerce, they were awarded the deed and could immediately claim their land and tools.
It was in this way that everyone would win. The excellent potential farmland not currently being used outside the city would be, a reserve would be built up for emergency, labor was increased, and the prices and reliance on others for food would drop. After the people paid off their lands the government would release their contract and they would be free to do as they please on it, provided they contributed to the economy of Imperia. After all, this plan was certainly better then leaving precious resources that weren't being used of yet still be wasted!
It was an ambitious project, one that would surely benefit the city for era's to come.