The Agricultural Census is a large-scale statistical operation conducted at five-year intervals to collect data on the structural aspects of operational holdings in the country. It serves as the primary source of information on the number and area of operational holdings, their tenure, land use, irrigation status, and cropping patterns.
- Nodal Agency: The Census is conducted by the Division of Agriculture Census in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW).
- Historical Background: The first comprehensive Agricultural Census in India was conducted with the reference year 1970-71 as part of the World Agricultural Census Programme.
- Methodology: In most states, data is collected through the “Retabulation” of land records (Timely Reporting Scheme). In states without land records (like Kerala and North-Eastern states), it is conducted through household enquiries.
- Reference Period: The census follows the agricultural year (July to June). The latest completed data cycle is the 10th Agricultural Census (2015-16), with the 11th Census (2021-22) being the first to utilize digital data collection.
Definition of Operational Holding
For the purpose of the Census, an “Operational Holding” is the fundamental unit of data collection.
- Technical Unit: It is defined as all land used wholly or partly for agricultural production and operated as one technical unit by one person alone or with others, without regard to title, legal form, size, or location.
- Operational vs. Ownership: The Census focuses on the operational holder (the person who actually manages and takes the decisions) rather than the owner. A holding may consist of several parcels of land located in different villages, provided they are part of the same technical unit.
Classification of Holdings by Size
The Agricultural Census categorizes holdings into five specific groups. This classification is vital for UPSC Prelims as it highlights the “marginalization” of Indian agriculture.
| Category | Size Class (Hectares) | % of Total Holdings (2015-16) | % of Operated Area (2015-16) |
| Marginal | Below 1.00 ha | 68.45% | 24.03% |
| Small | 1.00 – 2.00 ha | 17.62% | 23.54% |
| Semi-Medium | 2.00 – 4.00 ha | 9.43% | 23.61% |
| Medium | 4.00 – 10.00 ha | 3.76% | 19.96% |
| Large | 10.00 ha and Above | 0.57% | 8.85% |
Key Findings of the 10th Agricultural Census (2015-16)
The results of the 2015-16 Census provide a 360° view of the structural changes in the rural economy.
- Increase in Number of Holdings: The total number of operational holdings in the country increased from 138 million in 2010-11 to 146 million in 2015-16 (a growth of 5.3%).
- Decline in Operated Area: The total operated area decreased slightly from 159.59 million hectares to 157.14 million hectares.
- Shrinking Average Size: The average size of an operational holding declined from 1.15 hectares in 2010-11 to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16.
- Feminization of Agriculture: The percentage of female operational holders increased from 12.79% in 2010-11 to 13.96% in 2015-16, reflecting a rise in women’s participation in land management.
- State-wise Average Holding: Nagaland has the highest average size of operational holdings (approx. 5.06 ha), while Kerala has the lowest (approx. 0.18 ha).
11th Agricultural Census (2021-22): The Digital Shift
The 11th Census marks a significant milestone in the digitalization of the Indian economy.
- Smartphone/Tablet Usage: For the first time, data collection is being conducted using smartphones and tablets, moving away from paper-based schedules.
- Real-time Monitoring: The use of a digitized portal allows for real-time monitoring and faster processing of data.
- Integration with Land Records: The census is being integrated with digitized land records (ROR – Record of Rights) to ensure higher data accuracy.
Significance of Census Data in the Indian Economy
The data derived from the Agricultural Census is instrumental in shaping national and state-level policies.
- Targeting Subsidies: Helps in identifying the number of small and marginal farmers for schemes like PM-KISAN or fertilizer subsidies.
- Input Planning: Guides the government in planning the requirement for irrigation, seeds, and fertilizers based on regional cropping patterns.
- Credit Policy: Used by NABARD and commercial banks to determine priority sector lending targets for the agricultural sector.
- Land Reform Assessment: Provides empirical evidence on the impact of land ceiling laws and the extent of land fragmentation.
Important Trivia for UPSC Aspirants
- World Agricultural Census: Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. India follows the broad framework suggested by the FAO.
- Exclusions: The Agricultural Census generally excludes land used exclusively for livestock, poultry, and fisheries unless they are part of a land-based operational holding.
- Schedule VII: While ‘Agriculture’ is a State List subject, ‘Census’ is a Union List subject. However, the Agricultural Census is a collaborative effort between the Centre and the States.
- Growth of Marginal Holdings: Between 1970 and 2016, the number of marginal holdings has more than doubled, highlighting the increasing pressure of population on land.
- Highest Concentration: Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of operational holdings in India, followed by Bihar and Maharashtra.