(a) The Board of Corrections, in its discretion and with the Governor's approval, may cease or abandon the cultivation of any land now owned by the state and under the jurisdiction of the board and may rent or lease the land not cultivated, or abandoned and not needed in the proper operation of the penal system of this state, if they deem the action expedient.
(b) In its discretion and with the Governor's approval, the board may rent or lease additional lands for the planting and cultivation of crops by inmates.