The National Lands Institute (INTI) declared "idle" La Marqueseña ranch, in southwestern Barinas state, thus claiming that the estate is not a private property.

Consequently, INTI is to "rescue" the estate, grant titles for agrarian purposes.

The agency claimed that "in records there are not duly checked documents showing private ownership (of the estate) in accordance with legal criteria."

The estate comprises 8,490 hectares and is located in the Domínguez Parish, Alberto Arvelo Torrealba Municipality, Barinas state.

INTI also declared La Marqueseña is a large estate (latifundio), as productivity is below 80 percent of ideal performance, as set forth under the Lands Law, article 7.