Abstract

Agriculture plays an important role in India's economy. It provides gainful employment to a large section of population of the country, particularly, the rural population. It contributes to the socio-cultural development of the farming community. The land holding provides them the confidence and strength to stay and survive in the society. In view of the importance of agriculture, Government of India has been conducting comprehensive Agriculture Censuses for collection of data on structure and characteristics of agricultural holdings, as part of World Census of Agriculture Programme since 1970-71. Operational holding, being the basic unit of decision-making in agriculture, detailed data on structure of agricultural holdings and its characteristics are necessary for formulation of any meaningful and effective strategy for agricultural development.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Households

Universe

The statistical unit was the operational holding, defined as an entity comprising all land that is used wholly or partly for agricultural production and is operated as one technical unit by one person alone or with others, without regard to the title, legal form, size or location. A technical unit was defined as the unit that is under the same management and has the same means of production, such as labour force, machinery, animals, credit, etc. The operated area includes both cultivated and uncultivated area, provided that a part of it is put to agricultural production during the reference period.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

(a) Sampling design For the collection of data in the Agriculture Census, an approach of Census-cum-sample survey has been adopted. Various States in the country have been grouped in to two categories i.e. land record States and non-land record States. Those States where comprehensive land records are maintained giving information on land and its utilization, cropping pattern etc are called land record States and those States where such information is not maintained in the form of land-records are called nonland record States. In land record States data on Agriculture Census is pooled for all the parcels of an operational holding irrespective of its location. However, for operational convenience the outer limit for pooling is restricted to taluka. This pooling is done for each operational holder in the village of his residence. In the non-land record States the data is collected through sample survey following household enquiry approach in 20% of villages in each block. In these selected villages, all the operational holdings are enumerated following household enquiry approach.Thus in land record States no sampling is resorted to for data collection for the number and area of operational holdings and in nonland record States sampling of villages in each block/taluka is resorted to

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Three questionnaires were used, one for each of the three phases of the census:

· Phase I questionnaire, for collecting data on number and area of operational holdings, according to the prescribed size classes2 for different social groups,3 types of holdings' and gender.

· Phase II questionnaire, for collecting data on: (i) dispersal of holdings; (ii) tenancy and terms of leasing; (iii) land utilization; (iv) irrigation status and source-wise area irrigated; (v) cropping pattern

· Phase III questionnaire, for collecting additional data.

The AC 2011 questionnaires covered 12 items of the 16 core items recommended for the WCA 2010 round. The exceptions were: (i) "Presence of aquaculture on the holding" (ii) "Other economic production activities of the holding's enterprise" (iii) "Number of animals on the holding for each livestock type" (iv) "Presence of forests and other woodland on the holding"

See questionnaire in external materials.

Cleaning operations

(a) DATA PROCESSING AND ARCHIVING In-house software was developed for data entry and processing of census data. Data entry, data validation and error correction, the generation of trial tables, and the generation of final tables and their examination by states or UTs took place according to the three phases of the census. All questionnaires were manually scrutinized by the statistical staff before they were submitted for data entry. Data are archived at tehsil level and are available in the public domain. The data entry and processing software included checks of census data for inconsistencies and mismatch.

Data appraisal

Census data are compiled at the national and tehsil level. The All India Report of Agriculture Census 2010-2011 is based on the data collected during Phase-II of the Census. The detailed data of AC 2010/2011 results are available on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers' Welfare.

The data set contains the average size of the farm holding categorised by social group, gender and the size class of the holding. The Size class include - Below 0.5 hectares 0.5-01. hectares 1-2 hectares 2-3 hectares 3-4 hectares 4-5 hectares 5-7.5 hectares 7.5-10 hectares 10-20 hectares Above 20 hectares

Abstract

The current India Agriculture Census with reference year 2010-11 is ninth in the series.

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India conducts Agriculture Census, quinquennially, to collect data on operational holdings in the country. The reference period for Agriculture Census is the Agricultural year (July-June). Being the ultimate unit for taking agriculture-related decisions, operational holding has been taken as statistical unit at micro-level for data collection.

The Agriculture Census was conducted in three distinct Phases. The provisional results for first Phase of the current Census were released at State and all India level in October, 2012. After, scrutinizing the results at District/Tehsil level, this database has now been finalized and is being published in the form of an All India Report on number and area of operational holdings.

The main objectives of the Agriculture Census are: i) To describe structure and characteristics of agriculture by providing statistical data on operational holdings, including land utilization, irrigation, source of irrigation, irrigated and unirrigated area under different crops, live-stock, agricultural machinery and implements, use of fertilizers, seeds, agricultural credit etc. ii) To provide benchmark data needed for formulating new agricultural development programmes and for evaluating their progress. iii) To provide basic frame of operational holdings for carrying out future agricultural surveys and, iv) To lay a basis for developing an integrated programme for current agricultural statistics.

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

Agricultural household, individual

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

The Agriculture Census data is collected following two broad approaches; in States where comprehensive land records exist (Land Record States), for Phase-I of the Census, the data on primary characteristics of operational holdings are collected and compiled on complete enumeration basis through re-tabulation of information available in the Village Land Records. For other States (Non-Land record States), this data is collected on sample basis following household enquiry.

In land record States,data on Agriculture Census is pooled for all the parcels of an operational holding irrespective of its location. However, for operational convenience, the outer limit for pooling is restricted to taluka. This pooling is done for each operational holder in the village of his residence. In the non-land record States, the data is collected through sample survey in 20 per cent of villages in each block. These villages are selected through simple random sampling method and all the operational holdings in the selected villagesare enumerated following household enquiry approach.

In smaller UTs, like Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu etc., no sampling is done. i.e. all holdings in all the villages are surveyed for collection of data.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Kerala: Size Group: 10 Hectares and Above data was reported at 51.040 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 64.580 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Kerala: Size Group: 10 Hectares and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 49.385 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 64.580 ha in 2011 and a record low of 40.930 ha in 2001. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Kerala: Size Group: 10 Hectares and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK003: Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: Maharashtra: Size Group: 1 to 2 Hectares data was reported at 4,339,259.000 Unit in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,052,317.000 Unit for 2011. Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: Maharashtra: Size Group: 1 to 2 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 4,101,296.500 Unit from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,339,259.000 Unit in 2016 and a record low of 3,606,000.000 Unit in 2001. Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: Maharashtra: Size Group: 1 to 2 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK001: Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

For financial year 2024, the East Indian state of Bihar received the highest budget allocation of **** million Indian rupees for the agriculture census. This was followed by Uttar Pradesh with a value of around ** million rupees during the same period.

The data set contains All -India Farm holdings details as per 1995-96 Agri Census. The information is categorised by Size of the holdings, social category, gender, Individual/point holding.

Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Andhra Pradesh: Size Group: 4 to 10 Hectares data was reported at 1,038,253.920 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2,208,770.000 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Andhra Pradesh: Size Group: 4 to 10 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 2,483,757.500 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,855,000.000 ha in 2001 and a record low of 1,038,253.920 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Andhra Pradesh: Size Group: 4 to 10 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK002: Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

The Agricultural Crop Census in India is a large-scale statistical exercise conducted periodically to collect comprehensive data on the cultivation of different crops across the country. This census aims to provide detailed information on the area under cultivation, production, yield, cropping patterns, and other related agricultural practices. The data collected serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to understand the agricultural landscape of India and make informed decisions. The Agricultural Crop Census covers all states and union territories, offering insights into both small and large scale farming activities, and it plays a critical role in shaping agricultural policies, schemes, and interventions in India.

Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Uttar Pradesh: Size Group: 1 to 2 Hectares data was reported at 4,174,659.290 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,243,297.000 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Uttar Pradesh: Size Group: 1 to 2 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 4,292,144.000 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,366,000.000 ha in 2001 and a record low of 4,174,659.290 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Uttar Pradesh: Size Group: 1 to 2 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK002: Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Goa: Size Group: 4 to 10 Hectares data was reported at 14,112.460 ha in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 12,377.000 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Goa: Size Group: 4 to 10 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 10,188.500 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14,112.460 ha in 2016 and a record low of 6,813.000 ha in 2006. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Goa: Size Group: 4 to 10 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK002: Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: Punjab: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data was reported at 154,412.000 Unit in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 164,431.000 Unit for 2011. Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: Punjab: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data is updated yearly, averaging 144,587.000 Unit from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 164,431.000 Unit in 2011 and a record low of 123,000.000 Unit in 2001. Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: Punjab: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK001: Agriculture Census: Number of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Assam: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data was reported at 0.420 ha in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.420 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Assam: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data is updated yearly, averaging 0.420 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.430 ha in 2006 and a record low of 0.390 ha in 2001. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Assam: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK003: Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Mizoram: Size Group: 10 Hectares and Above data was reported at 12.820 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 15.090 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Mizoram: Size Group: 10 Hectares and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 14.115 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 43.830 ha in 2006 and a record low of 12.820 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Mizoram: Size Group: 10 Hectares and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK003: Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Uttarakhand: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data was reported at 2.680 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.710 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Uttarakhand: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 2.705 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.710 ha in 2011 and a record low of 2.680 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Uttarakhand: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK003: Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Chhattisgarh: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data was reported at 2.670 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.680 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Chhattisgarh: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 2.690 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.700 ha in 2006 and a record low of 2.670 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Chhattisgarh: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK003: Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Karnataka: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data was reported at 0.440 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.480 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Karnataka: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data is updated yearly, averaging 0.455 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.480 ha in 2011 and a record low of 0.440 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Karnataka: Size Group: Less Than 1 Hectare data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK003: Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Himachal Pradesh: Size Group: All Holdings data was reported at 944,226.660 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 954,651.000 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Himachal Pradesh: Size Group: All Holdings data is updated yearly, averaging 961,499.000 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 979,000.000 ha in 2001 and a record low of 944,226.660 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Himachal Pradesh: Size Group: All Holdings data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK002: Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Uttar Pradesh: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data was reported at 3,559,517.750 ha in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,628,857.000 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Uttar Pradesh: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 3,712,210.500 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,906,000.000 ha in 2001 and a record low of 3,559,517.750 ha in 2016. Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: Uttar Pradesh: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK002: Agriculture Census: Area of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.

Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Bihar: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data was reported at 2.600 ha in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.590 ha for 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Bihar: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data is updated yearly, averaging 2.595 ha from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.620 ha in 2001 and a record low of 2.590 ha in 2011. Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: Bihar: Size Group: 2 to 4 Hectares data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table IN.RIK003: Agriculture Census: Average Size of Operational Land Holdings: by Size Group.